China News Service, Kunshan, February 15 (Reporter Zhong Sheng) Gongs and drums were singing on the shore and colorful flags were fluttering in the water. On February 14, the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Zhouzhuang, a water town in Jiangsu Province where the wealthy Shen Wansan lived, held an annual ceremony to welcome the God of Wealth. People gather together on land and water to welcome the God of Wealth, praying for peace, prosperity and wealth in the new year.
On the fifth day of the first lunar month, at Zhouzhuang's annual ceremony to welcome the God of Wealth, "Shen Wansan" prays for a safe and prosperous year. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhong Sheng
The sun was shining brightly in Zhouzhuang on the 14th, with the warmth of early spring. The whole town is in festive red, and the stone bridges in the town are decorated with fiery red dragons, koi, etc., which are beautifully reflected in the water. Looking from a distance, the shiny Wansan Hoof looks like a square of gold ingots in various shops. Wansanti was named after Shen Wansan, who was regarded as the God of Wealth by the people in the Jiangnan area. Therefore, the ceremony to welcome the God of Wealth in Zhouzhuang on the fifth day of the first lunar month is quite grand every year.
Around the God of Wealth Residence, where the "money tree" swayed, traditional performances such as flower baskets, boxing, dragon and lion dances created a lively atmosphere. I saw the "housekeepers" carrying offerings and "treasure bowls" to the residence of the God of Wealth. "Shen Wansan" dressed in ancient costumes, surrounded by "housekeepers" and "maids", set foot on the "Way of Wealth", offering incense, toasting, and chanting Pray for peace and prosperity in the coming year. The five gods of wealth, "literary, martial, wealthy, righteous, and biased," also stepped forward on the "wealth path" to dance and send good wishes to visitors. Subsequently, the God of Wealth's water and land parade traveled through the ancient town, spreading wealth throughout the ancient town.
The five gods of wealth, "literary, martial, wealthy, righteous and partial", cruise through the ancient town by boat, which is a unique way to welcome the god of wealth in the water town. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhong Sheng
According to folk culture scholar Chen Yi, the God of Wealth's parade on land and water and the people's amphibious welcome to the God of Wealth are the characteristics of water towns. They not only reflect the historical fact that Shen Wansan used waterways to go to sea to do business and make a fortune, but also reflect the water culture of Jiangnan. Tourists choose to take a traditional hand-operated boat in the south of the Yangtze River, follow the God of Wealth's fleet through the water wealth channel, and "check in" Zhouzhuang's water attractions such as Nanhu Qiuyue and Shuangqiao, getting the best of both worlds.
"Everyone was so enthusiastic this year. In order to please everyone, a lot of the tributes at the ceremony were taken away by everyone." Tan Jinrong, who lives in Suzhou, rushes to Zhouzhuang on the fifth day of the first lunar month to welcome the God of Wealth. This year she invited relatives and friends from Nantong, Shanghai and other places A total of 15 friends came together. The adults sought good luck and relived the New Year atmosphere of their childhood, while the children experienced traditional New Year customs, which made Tan Jinrong and his party exclaim "happy".
People pray for wealth in front of the statue of Shen Wansan. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhong Sheng
At noon, restaurants in the town began to hold "Wansan Family Banquet". Dishes such as Wansan Hoof, fragrant fried gold bricks, and three-flavored Yuan Fugui Chicken Soup were full of aroma and flavor. Everyone put on a God of Wealth hat, tasted some rich dishes, and looked forward to the coming of wealth in the new year. (over)