The History of the Prosperity God: From Tradition to Trump
The God of Prosperity, also known as Caishen, is a deity associated with wealth and prosperity making him one of the central figures of Chinese New Year celebrations all around the world. His importance is signified in the main CNY greeting, Gong Xi Fa Cai which wishes others wealth and prosperity. Invoking Caishen attracts financial success and abundance for the new year.
Who is the Prosperity God (Caishen)?
He is typically depicted as a jovial man in red robes and a traditional headpiece. He usually carries gold ingots, a Chinese scroll with auspicious messages or a ruyi (a scepter). The origin of Caishen is made up of several mythological and historical figures who merged over time into the single representation of Caishen. The different figures are still accepted as different aspects of Caishen however.
The Role of Caishen in Chinese New Year Traditions
Caishen embodies the collective aspiration for good fortune and prosperity rather than personal gain, prioritising communal wealth and financial stability. He also is a powerful ward against bad luck and misfortune that may affect one’s coffers. One of the more common traditions is to welcome him to your home on the eve of Chinese New Year. At midnight, with all the lights in the home switched on and windows and doors open to receive Caishen, and receive his blessings of wealth and abundance. It’s almost as if he’s doing a tour of the world ala Santa Claus.
Caishen in Modern Times
He is also a mainstay of CNY decorations, with his likeness being plastered all over businesses and homes. We cannot escape his depictions everywhere, from digital greetings as a WeChat sticker, to lion dances being accompanied by a Caishen. Perhaps Caishen runs one of the more successful Chinese New Year merchandise. How then, do we relate Caishen and President-Elect of the United States, Donald Trump?
From Tradition to Pop Culture: The Unlikely Connection to Donald Trump
Before he ran for President, Donald Trump was and still is a businessman, known for his ventures in real estate and hospitality. His name has been synonymous with success, wealth, luxury and excess. Remember the gold toilets of Trump Tower? He has also written a few books detailing his successes and how he got there, and is often seen as an industry leader.
Introducing APOM CNY 2025 Donald Trump Merch
For this year’s CNY, Apom has decided to merge two figures, Caishen and Donald Trump, who are synonymous with wealth when producing our CNY merchandise. We believe in referencing current affairs while injecting our local wit and relevance in the process of creation so as to make a narrative that’s distinctly ours, with our voice. Be the talking point of any gathering this CNY with our line up of apparel and accessories that will surely bring the huat! Caishen approved.
Enjoy A Prosperous Chinese New Year With APOM CNY 2025 Merch
Caishen’s origins came about from merging several figures from history and mythology to solidify and represent the collective wish for prosperity as we know him today. This year, we have a new representation of him, a cheeky modern reimagining of the God of Prosperity. One of the ways of inviting Caishen’s blessings is to wear red and do we have the perfect lineup for you!
