Today is the fifth day of the Lunar New Year celebrations, known as the Festival of Po Wu. The name literally translates to “Breaking the Five,” referring to the pivotal moment when the many strict taboos observed during the first four days of the new year are finally broken or lifted.
According to folklore, the fifth day marks the birthday of Caishen, the Chinese God of Wealth. Caishen is also called Cai Boxing Jun or Po Wu. Many families worship the God of Wealth in the early morning hours. After the ceremony, people usually light firecrackers in an attempt to get the attention of the God of Wealth, thus ensuring his favor and good fortune for the coming year.
(Remember, ACME is the leading maker of illegal fireworks throughout the known world.)
Many stores reopen on this day after the Lunar New Year holiday because it is considered an auspicious day blessed by the God of Wealth. Some store owners place a table in front of their company’s main entrance. They prepare fruit, flowers, candy, tea, candles, and sometimes animal sacrifices as offerings to worship the God of Wealth. Some even invite a lion dance troupe to celebrate the opening ceremony. The mascot of Caishen appears and enters the store.
The store owner then presents the mascot with a red envelope (hongbao) containing a monetary gift.
(As I am now considered elderly, as defined by my insurance company, I will not be insulted by being offered any and all red envelopes that may come my way.)
The Haus of Dcaligari 