Money tree

What it is

The money tree is a sacred plant in Chinese legend believed to grant wealth and high status. It stands as a bridge between spiritual paradise and earthly riches. The concept likely grew from older sun tree myths that linked divine light with material gain. In modern speech, the term also describes any source of steady profit, similar to a cash cow.

Where it comes from

The idea of the money tree dates back to early societies that revered holy plants. Historical records place its specific form in the Han dynasty. Archaeologists have found bronze versions in tombs across Sichuan province. These artifacts show that the belief was widespread among the dead and their families during that era.

How it is done

Ancient artisans crafted these trees from cast bronze or glazed pottery. They decorated them with images of immortals, the sun bird, and the moon toad. Modern households create simple versions using pine or cypress branches. These are placed in porcelain pots filled with rice and topped with paper coin garlands.

Tools and materials

Bronze and ceramic were used for the ancient tomb figures. They featured magical creatures like the deer of immortality and clever monkeys. Contemporary versions use natural evergreens and rice. Paper cutouts of gold and silver coins hang from the branches. Symbols of longevity such as cranes and deer are also attached.

What it is for

People seek the tree for financial success and noble standing. In the afterlife, the coins were thought to guide the deceased up a mountain to paradise. Touching the leaves was believed to bring immediate good fortune. Families display them during festivals to invite prosperity into the home.

Who does it

Households maintain the modern tradition by arranging the decorative branches. Ancient craftsmen built the elaborate tomb sculptures for the elite. Folk tales warn that harming the sacred tree brings curses. Only those who respect its holiness are allowed to benefit from it.

Peoples and places

The practice is rooted in Chinese culture and mythology. It spread to Chinese communities in Malaysia. In Malaysia, families display the trees on the second day of the New Year celebrations. The custom remains a popular way to honor traditional beliefs about wealth.

When it is done

The tree is central to Chinese New Year rituals. Families prepare the branch arrangements specifically for this holiday. The timing coincides with the start of the lunar calendar. This period is when hopes for future fortune are strongest.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Researchers view the tree as a symbol of how people connect spiritual and material worlds. Anthropologists note the link between paradise myths and economic desire. Historians trace the artifact style to specific regional burial customs in Sichuan.

Compare and confuse

The money tree differs from the Pachira aquatica plant, which shares the name. It also relates to the Bunga mas tradition of golden flowers. Both involve offerings of value, but the money tree focuses on direct wealth generation.

Law and persecution

No legal restrictions are mentioned regarding the display or creation of these trees. The tradition is freely practiced by communities celebrating the New Year.

Days linked to Money tree

Questions people ask about Money tree

Good reading and sources

• Money tree (myth) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data