Eastwood Lunar New Year celebration’s God of Fortune speaks
WE secured an interview with one of the stars of the Lunar New Year celebrations - the Money God - and asked, can we borrow a million bucks?
Northern District Times
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WE secured an interview with one of the stars of the Lunar New Year celebrations - the Money God - and asked, can we borrow a million bucks?
The God of Fortune, or Money God, is preparing for his seventh year at Rowe St plaza, Eastwood, on February 11.
He is always a hit with visitors for his elaborate costume, makeup and gifts.
The Times arranged an interview with this colourful character to ask why he keeps coming back, as well as other questions.
We were enlightened by what he told us.
Dear God of Fortune, what is the secret to a life filled with good fortune?
The most important element to a life filled with good fortune is saving our precious memories.
Can we believe what we read in fortune cookies?
We should believe what we read in fortune cookies. They always give us positive sayings - the opportunity to dream and motivation to keep going and going.
What should people at Eastwood do if they see you?
They should say hi to me and take photos with me that will bring them good wealth, good health and good luck throughout the coming year.
You are also known as the Money God. How wealthy are you?
I don’t classify myself as a wealthy person, but mine is definitely a wealthy life!
Can we borrow a million bucks?
Of course we can borrow a million bucks, personally I do not recommend this because we have to pay them back!
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The Times also met the man behind the face paint.
Johnson Cheng Gonsang is preparing for his seventh year as the God of Fortune, or Money God.
The 67-year-old from Cherrybrook is a hit with visitors for his elaborate costume, makeup and gifts.
Mr Cheng plays the character at other events around Sydney too, but always appears at Eastwood.
“I enjoy it because I can bring fun to others,” he said.
“People like to take photos of me. I will sometimes put chocolates or coupons in the red packets and distribute them.”
The former teacher has a happy nature, and often sings during his appearances.
“I think I’m suited to being the Money God because people always say I’m happy, and they like to make friends with me and chat to me,” he said.
The God of Fortune – Choy Sun – is one of three Chinese “wise men’, the others representing Harmony and Longevity.
Mr Cheng stumbled upon the role at God of Fortune about 10 years ago, after he was invited to a Chinese New Year celebration.
The organiser encouraged him to play Choy Sun and provided the costume. Mr Cheng has enjoyed it since.
The same makeup artist still applies the colours to his face – a task which takes about an hour.
Mr Cheng migrated from Hong Kong in 1995.
Former students who have also moved to Australia have contacted him after seeing photos online of Mr Cheng in costume.
It’s just another blessing for the God of Fortune.
“They can know what I’m doing during Lunar New Year,” Mr Cheng laughed.
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