The ancient pronunciation of the word ‘toad’ (蟾) is homonymous with ‘money’ in Chinese. In jade figurines, it’s common to see the Feng Shui Golden Toad (金蟾) holding a copper coin in its mouth, symbolizing the attraction of wealth, prosperity, and abundance.
According to folklore, the Feng Shui Golden Toad or the Money Frog is said to be the princess of the Dragon King. It has the ability to spit out coins and possesses three legs.
Considered a spiritual creature, it was believed by the ancients to bring wealth and is regarded as an auspicious creature associated with prosperity.
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Origins of the Golden Toad / Money Frog
Have you ever heard the tale of ‘Liu Hai playing with the Golden Toad, steadily fishing for money’ (刘海戏金蟾，步步钓金钱)?
In ancient times, Liu Hai, a disciple of the Taoist master Lu Dongbin, achieved enlightenment by taming the Golden Toad.
This story became popular among the people, captivating their imaginations. It is said that Liu Hai, with his profound skills, traveled far and wide, combating demons and helping the common folk.
Did You Know?
Liu Hai’s legendary encounter with the Golden Toad serves as a reminder that challenges can be overcome and misdeeds can be redeemed, leading to blessings and prosperity.
One day, Liu Hai noticed that the Golden Toad was using its ability to attract treasures to deceive people and amass wealth for itself. He devised a plan to subdue the Golden Toad, and the grateful villagers celebrated him.
During the process, due to the cunning nature of the Golden Toad, Liu Hai was forced to break one of its legs. From then on, the Golden Toad had only three legs and could no longer cause harm to humans. It became a loyal disciple under Liu Hai’s guidance, seeking to make amends for its past misdeeds and benefiting humanity.
It used its unique talent to bite into gold and silver treasures, assisting Liu Hai in helping the poor and spreading wealth. People found this fascinating, and since then, the Golden Toad has been known as the ‘Wealth-Calling Toad’ (招财蟾).
Did You Know?
In ancient folklore, the Golden Toad was considered a princess of the Dragon King, capable of spitting out coins and bringing immense fortune. Its image became a powerful symbol for attracting wealth and abundance.
The Golden Toad in Feng Shui and Luck Enhancement
Above is the beautiful symbolism of the Golden Toad attracting wealth. However, it also carries other positive meanings.
In the saying ‘achieving glory in the Palace of the Toad’ (蟾宫折桂), people elevated the image of the Golden Toad once again.
Legend has it that in the Moon Palace, there is a three-legged toad. Despite its inherent imperfection, it possesses exceptional intelligence bestowed by the heavens. Hence, later generations often use this symbol to refer to passing the imperial examinations, calling the Moon Palace the ‘Palace of the Toad.’
Obtaining the Golden Toad symbolizes success in academics. Today, such imperial symbols have found their way into ordinary households, serving not only as ornaments but also as blessed objects, capable of warding off evil spirits and attracting wealth.
People commonly refer to the toad as the ‘Golden Toad,’ and in ancient sayings, it is said that ‘a home with a Golden Toad has a continuous flow of wealth.’ Therefore, many people enjoy wearing a Golden Toad pendant or placing it in their homes, believing it will bring abundant wealth.
Did You Know?
The Golden Toad is often associated with the saying “a home with a Golden Toad has a continuous flow of wealth.” Placing a Golden Toad figurine in your home or business can bring prosperity and abundance.
Jade carvings of toads are exquisitely crafted, displaying meticulous workmanship. Carvers often select materials with a green hue to accentuate the divine power of the Golden Toad, preserving its authentic essence.
There are various styles of Golden Toad figurines, typically depicted as a plump toad sitting on a pile of gold coins, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. With the auspicious meaning of ‘spitting treasures and bringing in wealth’ (家有金蟾，财源绵绵), these figurines can be placed in homes or businesses, ensuring a smooth flow of financial fortune and great prosperity.
“The placement of a jade Money Frog is also significant. When the head of the frog faces the entrance, it is believed to attract wealth into your home. To maximize its effect, a coin is placed on its back, signifying the doubling of your wealth.
There are also individual Money Frogs with a copper coin in their mouth, suitable for display or as pendants.
To learn more about the best ways to position your Money Frog, check out our in-depth guide on ‘How to Place Your Feng Shui Money Frog Properly’.
Unlock the Treasures of the Feng Shui Golden Toad
As we come to the end of our exploration into the captivating realm of the Golden Toad, we invite you to reflect on its mystical powers and the potential it holds for transforming your life.
Have you been inspired by the tales of wealth and fortune surrounding the Golden Toad? How might you incorporate its symbolism and energy into your own journey towards prosperity?
Embrace the wisdom of the Feng Shui Golden Toad, the symbol of wealth and luck to open yourself up to a world of abundance.
Allow its enchanting presence to guide you towards a future filled with prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual growth.
So, are you ready to invite the Feng Shui Golden Toad into your life and unlock its extraordinary blessings?
What is the significance of the Feng Shui Golden Toad?
In Feng Shui, the Golden Toad symbolizes wealth and abundance. It is believed to attract financial blessings and bring good fortune to homes and businesses. Placing a Golden Toad figurine in a strategic location can enhance positive energy and promote prosperity.
How can I use the Feng Shui Golden Toad to enhance my luck?
To enhance your luck with the Golden Toad, place it in the wealth area of your home or office, usually the southeast corner. The Golden Toad should face the entrance to attract wealth and prosperity. Remember to keep the figurine clean and in good condition to maintain its positive energy.
Can the Golden Toad bring luck in other areas besides wealth?
Yes, the Golden Toad is associated with various forms of luck beyond wealth. It is believed to attract opportunities, good fortune, and overall blessings. Some people also consider it a symbol of fertility and harmony in relationships.
Are there specific rituals or practices associated with the Golden Toad?
While there are no strict rituals, it is recommended to cleanse and energize your Golden Toad periodically. You can do this by gently washing it with clean water, followed by exposing it to sunlight or moonlight for a short duration. This process helps refresh the positive energy of the figurine.
Can I use a Golden Toad replica or does it have to be made of jade?
While a traditionally carved jade Golden Toad is highly regarded, you can use a replica made from other materials. It’s the symbolism and intention that matter most. Choose a figurine that resonates with you and represents the essence of the Golden Toad, and place it with care and intention to maximize its positive effects.
Who is Liu Hai and how is he related to the Golden Toad in Chinese culture?
Liu Hai (刘海) is a key figure in Chinese mythology, and he is closely associated with the Golden Toad or Three-legged Toad. Liu Hai was a 10th-century Taoist hermit and minister of state in China, often depicted as a cheerful man in Taoist priest attire, typically shown with a three-legged toad.
The legend says that the toad, originally a demon who loved gold and all things valuable, was tamed by Liu Hai using a gold coin tied to a string. Because of its obsession with the gold coin, the toad would follow Liu Hai wherever he went. As a result, both Liu Hai and the three-legged toad became potent symbols of wealth and prosperity. This is why the three-legged toad, also known as the “Money Frog”, is commonly used in Feng Shui practices to attract wealth and abundance.
