
Here are few pictures of the Tree of Prosperity at the Wynn casino of Macau. It is a very impressive piece of technology, but more interestingly, it merges various purposes and cultural influences into one big display. It mixes Western and Chinese astrological symbols, a tree made of gold and many visual effects in a show designed to ‘thrill and excite’ the visitors of the casino. Many people come in to see the tree, which is already a big success. But the tree does more than simply attracting visitors, they throw money to the golden tree in the hope it will make them luckier in their gambling, which validates its symbolical value. It is interesting because the show is a big patchwork of symbols, some traditional, some invented, and they manifestly deliver all together a message that the audience can understand. A simple hole could have achieved the same function of course, and people would have also thrown money in it. But the massive scale of the tree of prosperity is also designed to showcase the power of gold and money, to make people desire prosperity beyond what is ordinary. If not, the Wynn casino would have no point. The tree works exactly like a religious temple dedicated to prosperity and luck. It seems all natural and appropriate inside the casino; this is why the tree is worshipped. What I like is that it doesn’t lie about anything. The message is bold and universal. I’m sure that gamblers appreciate this way to wish them good luck during their visit to the Wynn casino.

A giant futuristic screen opens on the ceiling.

The screens open and a giant chandelier appears above.

A tree made of gold then appears from below the ground.

The whole forms a moving sculpture dedicated to prosperity.
By the way, this is the sign outside of the Wynn casino and hotel. It mixes Chinese, American and French elements, and is situated on a former Portuguese territory. What a world!





































