This traditional celebration for the earth god (Tudigong), is also known as Fudezhengshen and falls on the 16th of the 12th lunar month, especially in Fujian province and Taiwan. Legend has it that the earth god is the protector of the home and god of wealth and merit, and businessmen take that seriously and provide splendid sacrifices.
Weiya is also a time for employers to treat their employees to a banquet to thank them for their hard work throughout the year. In the past, some employers would dismiss an employee by providing a dish of chicken with the chicken’s head pointed at him or her, but the custom has faded away. Instead, it is a time for families to get together and for employers to examine the previous year, announce important decisions, and hand out year-end bonuses.
