The Kitchen God, also called Zao Jun, Zao Shen or the Stove God, is a household guardian in Chinese popular religion.
The Story Behind Kitchen God
A paper image of the deity traditionally has a place near or above the family stove.
In the annual report tradition, the Kitchen God goes to Heaven before Lunar New Year to report on the household’s activities.
Columbia’s Asia for Educators describes families sending the god to Heaven by burning the old paper image.
Sweet offerings and household responsibility
Honey could be placed on the image’s lips to encourage a sweet report, or to prevent unwelcome news from being spoken.
The annual report tradition can also be read as a reminder that household actions have consequences. This is an ethical interpretation of the religious story.
Origin stories vary across regions and storytelling traditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Kitchen God?
Zao Jun is a household guardian associated with the cooking stove.
What is his annual report?
In the tradition described here, he reports household activities to Heaven before Lunar New Year.
Why offer honey?
Honey is associated with encouraging a sweet report or keeping unwelcome news from being spoken.
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