Zao Jun is a household deity in Chinese mythology who is known as the Kitchen God. He is believed to watch over families and their homes, and is recognized in Chinese folk religion, mythology, and Taoism. The name “Zao Jun” translates to “stove master” or “kitchen god”, and he is often depicted as an elderly man with a large beard.
According to legend, Zao Jun was once a mortal man who lived during the Han dynasty. He was known for his culinary skills, and was eventually deified and became a household god. In Chinese tradition, it is believed that Zao Jun reports to the Jade Emperor every year on the behavior and actions of each family, and is responsible for relaying this information to the other gods.
Zao Jun is often depicted with his wife, who is known as the Kitchen Goddess or “Zao Shen”. Together, they are believed to watch over families and their homes, and are considered to be protectors of the hearth. In Chinese culture, it is customary to offer sacrifices to Zao Jun during the Lunar New Year, in order to ensure good luck and fortune for the coming year.
Overview
Zao Jun is a household folk god in Chinese mythology who is believed to watch over homes and families. He is also known as the Kitchen God, and is associated with the hearth and fire. The name Zao Jun translates to “stove master” or “stove god” in English.
According to Chinese folklore, Zao Jun was once a mortal man who lived during the Han dynasty. He was a poor farmer who lived with his wife, and they struggled to make a living. One day, a wealthy man came to their village and offered to buy Zao Jun’s wife as a concubine. Zao Jun refused the offer and instead, he and his wife committed suicide by jumping into a well.
After their deaths, Zao Jun and his wife became household gods, and were believed to watch over families and protect them from harm. Zao Jun was also believed to be the god of the kitchen and the hearth, and was responsible for ensuring that families had enough food to eat.
Today, Zao Jun is still worshipped in many Chinese households, especially during the Chinese New Year. Families will offer sacrifices to him in the form of food and incense, and will ask for his blessings and protection.
Etymology
Zao Jun, also known as the Kitchen God, is a Chinese deity who is widely revered and worshipped in Chinese mythology and folklore. The name Zao Jun is derived from two Chinese characters: “Zao” (灶) meaning stove or furnace, and “Jun” (君) meaning ruler or lord. Thus, Zao Jun is often referred to as the “Lord of the Kitchen” or the “Ruler of the Stove”.
The name Zao Jun is also associated with the Chinese word “zao” (早) which means early or morning. This is because Zao Jun was believed to be responsible for waking up early in the morning to light the fire and prepare food for the family. In Chinese culture, the act of cooking and preparing food is considered a sacred and important duty, and Zao Jun was seen as the protector of this duty.
The Kitchen God is also known by other names, including Tsao Chun, Zao Shen, Cokimjah, and Zhang Lang. Each name has a different meaning and origin, but they all refer to the same deity who is worshipped for his ability to bring good fortune, prosperity, and happiness to the family.
Attributes
Zao Jun is often depicted as an old man with a long beard, wearing a traditional Chinese robe and hat. He is usually shown holding a scroll or a peach, symbolizing knowledge and longevity, respectively.
Symbolism
Zao Jun is associated with the hearth and the kitchen, and his role is to protect the household and ensure that the family has enough food to eat. He is also believed to have the power to bring good luck and prosperity to those who honor him.
Iconography
Zao Jun is often depicted with his wife, who is known as the Kitchen Goddess. Together, they make up the divine couple that oversees the kitchen and the household. In some depictions, Zao Jun is shown riding on a dragon, symbolizing his power and authority.
In summary, Zao Jun is a deity of the kitchen and the hearth, who is associated with good luck, prosperity, and longevity. His iconography includes symbols of knowledge and longevity, as well as depictions of him with his wife and riding on a dragon.
Family Tree
Relatives
Zao Jun is often depicted with his wife, who is known as the Kitchen Goddess or the Stove Goddess. According to Chinese mythology, the couple has two sons named Zao Shen and Zao Jun. Zao Shen is associated with the hearth and is believed to protect the family from malevolent spirits. He is also known as the Stove God and is often depicted with a broom in his hand. Zao Jun, on the other hand, is associated with alchemy and is believed to have the power to transform base metals into gold.
Associations
Zao Jun is also associated with a number of other deities in Chinese mythology. One of his most important associations is with the Taoist god of wealth, Cai Shen. According to legend, Zao Jun and Cai Shen were close friends, and Zao Jun would often help Cai Shen in his duties. Another important association is with the god of marriage and love, Yue Lao. Zao Jun is believed to have the power to bless marriages and bring happiness to couples.
Overall, Zao Jun’s family tree and associations are an important part of Chinese mythology and culture. His close relationships with other deities highlight the interconnectedness of the Chinese pantheon and the importance of family and community in Chinese society.
Mythology
Legends
Zao Jun, the household folk god, is said to reside in the stove or hearth area of a house. According to Chinese mythology, he watches over the home and family, serving as a patron of the family, protector of the home, and emblem of domestic life. It is believed that Zao Jun annually returns to heaven on the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month to report on the status of families to the Jade Emperor.
One legend associated with Zao Jun tells of a poor couple who lived in a small village. The couple was so poor that they could not afford to buy meat, and so they had to rely on a vegetarian diet. One day, Zao Jun visited the couple and was so touched by their hospitality that he revealed his true identity to them. In return, he blessed the couple with good fortune and prosperity.
Cultural Significance
Zao Jun is an important figure in Chinese culture, and his image is often found in Chinese homes. During the Chinese New Year, families traditionally offer sacrifices to Zao Jun in the form of food and incense, hoping to receive his blessings for the coming year. In addition, Zao Jun is also celebrated during the Laba Festival, which falls on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. During this festival, families prepare a special porridge made from rice, beans, and other ingredients, as a way of offering thanks to Zao Jun for his protection throughout the year.
Overall, Zao Jun plays an important role in Chinese mythology and culture, serving as a symbol of domestic life and family values. His legends and cultural significance have been passed down through generations, and continue to be celebrated and honored by Chinese families today.