The Kitchen God and Other Deities of the Earthly Sphere
In the realm of Chinese folk belief, the universe is divided into three distinct areas—Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld—each filled with significant deities and spirits. Among these, the Earthly Domain is particularly notable for its diversity, housing not only everyday people but also numerous immortal figures who engage with them in myriad ways.
The Kitchen God and His Divine Companion
A key figure in the Earthly Domain is the Kitchen God, commonly referred to as Zao Jun, also known as the Hearth God or Stove God. Each household boasts its own Kitchen God, seen as the protector and watchful spirit of the family. This deity serves as a crucial intermediary, connecting the home with other powerful gods.
Nicknamed the Stove God, he symbolizes the cornerstone of family unity since the stove historically represented familial togetherness. In late-imperial China, there was a custom known as “family division,” allowing brothers with families to separate into distinct households—a transition necessitating the appointment of a new Kitchen God. In these circumstances, sharing a Kitchen God between two families was not permissible.
Typically depicted alongside his wife—or, in certain instances, two wives—the Kitchen God was represented through paper images that held a revered spot above the family stove. Tradition held that annually, just prior to the Lunar New Year, the Kitchen God ascended to Heaven to report his family’s actions to the Jade Emperor. Families would send him off by burning the paper effigy that had occupied its place throughout the year. To ensure a favorable report on his return, they would apply honey to his lips, intending to fill his words with sweetness or to seal his mouth against any negative revelations.
The Earth God
Another significant deity within the Earthly Domain is the Earth God, known as Tudi Gong. This local protective spirit serves under the City God, with each village and neighborhood possessing its own Earth God. Many households may also have their unique Earth Gods guarding them.
In contrast to the more widely celebrated gods and goddesses found in village temples—like Mazu or Guan Yu—each village’s Earth God is distinct and separate from others. Mazu, for example, is worshiped across many temples but is one goddess residing in Heaven, while each village boasts a uniquely individual Earth God. This indicates a belief that Earth Gods coexist with humans and engage directly with them.
Much like the Kitchen God, Earth Gods are commonly visualized as a married pair, which emphasizes their closeness to human life—both spatially and in terms of daily experiences.
The City God
Each significant city is overseen by a City God, known as Chenghuang Ye, or “Lord of the Wall and Moat.” Appointed by the imperial regime, every major administrative area is required to host a City God temple. Much like the Earth God, each City God is a singular entity, unique to its specific location.
The City God is regarded as the divine counterpart to the human magistrate, serving as an essential spiritual connector between governance and its people. The government bolstered the belief among citizens that the City God held a notable place within a supernatural order that mirrored the structure of the imperial administration. Typically, a City God is believed to be the reincarnation of a historical official.
Moreover, the City God was thought to change every three years, paralleling the turnover of living magistrates in their positions. Both figures governed the same jurisdiction, distinguishing the magistrate’s focus on earthly matters and the City God’s oversight of the supernatural realm. Depending on perspective, the magistrate either formally respected or worshiped the City God, seeking his divine aid during dire situations like floods or other calamities.
One of the most visually stunning events annually celebrated across both rural and urban landscapes is the City God’s ‘birthday,’ attracting crowds of thousands who partake in grand processions through the city under the god’s protection.
