Chan Chu the Wealth Toad
Only Three Legs But Still a Symbol of Luck
The chan chu has many names -- three-legged toad, wealth toad, or prosperity toad. In Asia, the chan chu is a good luck symbol, especially in the area of prosperity. Just one look at its figure will demonstrate that. Look at all the gold coins!
According to the belief of feng shui, the mythological three-legged frog brings luck to the home that hosts it. These figures are all around China, especially in storefronts whose owners don't want to miss out on any opportunity to garner a bit more luck in earning money.
All About the Wealth Frog - The Chan Chu
Traditionally the chan chu was made of gold or jade. Modern wealth frogs are more affordable and are merely golden colored and made from synthetic resins. They typically have a rather fierce expression formed by red eyes and flared nostrils.
The wealth frog is placed on counters in businesses where money is handled or on coffee tables in living rooms to bring luck to the owners. A corner is supposed to be the primary spot for the wealth toad to exert his powers because of the qi (life force) residing there.
The chan chu is generally sitting atop a pile of gold coins. Sometimes it even has a coin in its mouth. Some wealth toads have open mouths into which you can place paper money or modern coins.
Some say that rubbing the chan chu will bring you luck, especially in the area of financial prosperity.
According to feng shui, the chan chu both encourages wealth to come and guards the wealth you already have from disaster. Further more, the wealth toad helps to counteract any bad luck that might be driving away your material blessings. The chan chu is truly a multi-faceted good luck effigy.
The chan chus pictured below are even adorned with fake ruby stones to emphasize the prosperity they are supposed to bring.
The chan chu has two front legs with fierce claws to protect his (and your) wealth. But in the rear there is only one leg! Thus the chan chu is a three-legged animal.
Your Own Chan Chu
You and the Wealth Toad
Have You Ever Heard of or Seen the Chan Chu?
Traditional Chinese Coins - And Gold Ingots
The chan chu is always atop gold of some kind -- typically the traditional round coins with a square hole in the center. Often there are also boat shaped gold ingots as well. Whenever wealth is symbolized in China, the old style money is used rather than modern cash.