What does the Chinese say about the Zao Jun, or the ‘God of Prosperity and Riches?’, and what is his role in our home? In fact, he is considered one of the most important household gods. His wife is said to record household conversations for the Jade Emperor. This ancient tradition continues today.
Zao Jun
Traditionally, the close of the year is a time to thank the deities for the year’s blessings. Chinese people pay tribute to the kitchen goddess Zao Jun. She is the goddess of cooking and food. In many homes, a shrine is built to her over the stove.
There are a number of reasons why a household deity would want a report from the home. In ancient times, the hearth was seen as the center of family life and the home was a temple to the gods. It is also a place of worship and sacrifices.
Chinese households make food offerings to the Kitchen God at the end of the year. It is believed that this will welcome the return of the Kitchen God, who travelled to the court of the Jade Emperor. In return, the Kitchen God will report to the Jade Emperor and be either rewarded or punished.
Another mythical figure is the goddess of the moon, Chang’e. She is the daughter of the gods Shangti. She watched over the human realm and rescued humans from boats. She was one of the most beloved gods in all of China and was revered by both men and women alike.
In the Chinese calendar, the close of the year marks the beginning of the New Year. The first year of the new year was the year of the coming of the savior. According to this myth, the coming of the saviour is as old as humankind.
‘God of Riches and Prosperity’
In the prosperity gospel, we are encouraged to enjoy private jets and multimillion dollar homes, but for the less fortunate, material possessions are not as important as an escape from poverty, failing health and leaky buckets. We must show mercy to the poor, a command Daniel gave to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:17. Giving to the poor is a way of breaking the power of money, Ron Blue claims.
