http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200702231651.htm

Beijing, Feb. 23 (PTI): The Chinese it seems can't wait to get wealthier. Though most of them are considered to be atheists that did not stop them from cleaning up homes and burning joss sticks to welcome the "God of Wealth" -- never mind the fact that their country's economy is already growing at a staggering 9 per cent!

On Thursday, the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, many families stayed at home, pasted special pictures on doors, made dumplings -- that look like gold ingots used in ancient China -- to please the God of Wealth, Zhao Gongming, the state media reported today.

Legend has it that Zhao -- also called Po Woo -- was a marshal during the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th century BC) and was empowered to bestow good fortune. Ever since the fortune-seeking Chinese offer sacrifices to get into the god's good books.

"It has become a habit for my family to follow all these rituals on this special day," said 53-year-old Beijing resident Du Shufen, who was setting off fireworks with her family in front of her apartment building.

According to Du Shufen, no one visits families or friends, but instead they stay at home and wait for the God of Wealth.

But not everyone has fallen for this material trap. Many singles were busy matchmaking during the holiday.

The Beijing Times reported that over 2,000 young people took part in a matchmaking party or speed dating held in Ditan Park, the Temple of Earth.
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