The Chinese gods of the home were a longtime part of Chinese culture. They were outlawed by the communist party when it took control of the Chinese government in 1949 CE, but Chinese people continued to worship them privately. Today, these gods are honored in many homes around the world.
Zao Jun
The Chinese deity of the home, Zao Jun, plays an important role in the lives of Chinese people. He is often depicted on paper posters and is often associated with the stove. Despite his modesty, Zao Jun is a very important deity in Chinese culture. He reports to the Jade Emperor on how the family is doing every year.
His role in the home is especially important during Chinese New Year. Many families make or buy sticky sweets to offer to Zao Jun. They believe that the sweets will “bribe” Zao Jun and prevent him from saying anything unsavory to the Jade Emperor. Some practitioners also rub honey directly on the statue’s mouth.
Chinese mythology also posits the existence of many other domestic deities. Zao Jun is the stove master or stove god, and he is also referred to as Zao Shen. In addition to protecting the hearth, Zao Jun also reports the activities of the year to the Jade Emperor, who rules in the heavens. It is also believed that the Jade Emperor awards or punishes the family based on the reports.
The Chinese deity of the home is based on a Taoist tradition and is associated with the kitchen. Many Chinese households place an effigy of Zao Jun near the stove. The god watches over the daily domestic affairs of the household and serves as a moral force for all family members.
Shangti
Shangdi was the supreme god of law, justice, and creation in ancient China. He was also known as the Yellow Emperor, Jade Emperor, and Yu Huang Shang-Ti. Shangdi is one of the most important deities in Chinese tradition, and he was regarded as the great ancestor of all Chinese people, and he gave them their culture, skill in battle, and agriculture.
The Shang dynasty lasted for ten years. During that time, Chinese writing was developed. The “moon” symbol was the same as that used for the “month” symbol, and the Chinese calendar took into account the lunar and solar cycles. Later, intercalary months were added in order to bring the lunar year closer to the solar year.
During every dynasty of China, the Shangdi Temple received sacrifices from the rulers of the country. It was located in the southern quarter of the imperial capital. The sacrifice involved the slaughter of a healthy bull. The Book of Rites specified that the sacrifice should take place on the “longest day” on a round-mound altar.
As a woman, Shangti represents a lot of feminine energy. She is the goddess of the home, but she also protects those who live in it. The Chinese deity of the home is also the goddess of water. The waters are a sacred place for the Chinese, and Shangti is the goddess of water and the sea.
The Chinese have a great number of gods that are important to their lives. Some developed later than others, but all of them are important. The Chinese deity of the home, Shangti, is one of the most important and well-known. It has been revered in Chinese culture for many years and continues to be venerated in many homes around the world today.
This popular god is associated with wealth and abundance. Statues of the god of wealth can be found in Chinese merchants’ businesses all over the world. The statues of this god of wealth and prosperity, Caishen, are depicted holding an abundance of riches. Often, he is accompanied by two attendants who carry gold bowls. While Caishen is the god of material wealth, he is not foolish with his wealth.
Wen Chang
Wen Chang, Chinese deity of the house, has been reincarnated seventeen times. His first incarnation was in the 3rd or 4th century and his last was in the 13th century. The legend tells us that he walked the earth and helped those in need. Throughout the centuries, Wen Chang has appeared as different forms to help those in need.
The deity is most often depicted in a mandarin robe and holding a sceptre. He is flanked by male and female attendants who help him perform his duties. Wen Chang also possesses a ruyi, which represents wish fulfillment. His hand is sometimes worn because it was believed that touching him would bring good luck.
Wen Chang is also associated with the star Ursa Major. He is often represented with a big square chin and a large eye. He has many attributes, and is a popular deity. He is also a common door guardian in Daoist temples.
Wen Chang is also a god of literature and learning. He is the patron god of students and scholars in imperial China. He is often invoked during finals week. He is a great example of filial behavior, and was able to cure his mother’s illness with a piece of his thigh. His statue depicts him as an older man with two scholarly assistants at his side.
The god of the home was first a mother deity and the father deity of humans. He helped create the world and fixed all of the mistakes that the gods had made at first. After the first creation, Nuwa built a palace for herself and her brother Fuxi, which later became a model of Chinese architecture. Nuwa’s palace is still revered in Chinese households. Wen Chang, the deity of the home, is also a god of literature and culture. He is also associated with Chinese New Year celebrations.
The Chinese gods of happiness, prosperity and longevity are related to the concept of Feng shui and Daoism. While the communist party in China banned the worship of Chinese gods, they were still revered privately by Chinese people. In fact, we can see their statues in many homes across the world today.
