The 10th day of the Lunar New Year is dedicated to the ‘god of wealth’ or Thần Tài as he is known in Viet Nam. Taken from the Chinese tradition of the folk hero turned deity, Thần Tài is prevalent throughout Viet Nam and especially invoked at the new year. Idols to Thần Tài are commonly seen and on this 10th day (February 9th this year) dedicated to him it is common practice for people to purchase pieces of gold, believing that it will bring them wealth and luck in the coming year. Gold stores are crowded with people with lines stretching down the sidewalk of those waiting to get in and purchase their lucky gold for the year. See this story on VietnamNet news for more details.
Thần Tài, the idol on the right, is seen at all times but especially at Tet.
31So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:31-34 (HCSB)
Pray with us for the peoples of Viet Nam to put their trust in Jesus Christ alone. Pray that they might see the futility of trusting in wealth and turn to God the Father, Creator of all things.
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