As fireworks echo across Asia on the fifth day of Lunar New Year celebrations, families from the Chinese mainland to overseas communities observe one of the most anticipated rituals: welcoming the God of Wealth. This year's festivities hold special significance as markets reopen and economic activities resume after the holiday pause.
In our fourth episode of Chinese New Year with Manio, the animated host demonstrates traditional customs practiced on this day. Families clean homes to sweep away misfortune, display mandarin oranges as prosperity symbols, and burn incense to honor Cai Shen – the deity of wealth. “We light red candles to guide good fortune through our doors,” explains Manio while helping his grandmother arrange offerings.
The episode highlights how this tradition bridges cultural heritage and modern commerce. Shops across Asia, from Jakarta's markets to Tokyo's Chinatown, ceremonially reopen today with lion dances and red envelope distributions. Analysts note this year's celebrations coincide with bullish forecasts for Asian markets, particularly in renewable energy and AI sectors.
For business professionals tracking Asian markets, the God of Wealth festival signals renewed economic momentum. Major stock exchanges in Shanghai and Hong Kong prepare for Monday's trading session following the holiday break, with investors eyeing post-festival consumer spending data.
Cultural explorers will appreciate the episode's vivid portrayal of night markets springing back to life, offering insights into regional variations of the tradition. In Singapore's Chinatown, LED-lit dragon installations complement traditional paper offerings, while Vietnamese businesses incorporate bamboo motifs into their wealth displays.
