China: The Kitchen God Zao Jun ('stove master'), also called Zao Shen ('stove god' or 'stove spirit'). Wood engraving, c. 1930-1939. In Chinese folk religion and mythology, the Kitchen God Zao Jun is the most important of a plethora of Chinese domestic gods that protect the hearth and family. It is believed that on the twenty third day of the twelfth lunar month, just before Chinese New Year he returns to Heaven to report the activities of every household over the past year to the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor, master of the heavens, either rewards or punishes a family based on this report.

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Size: 3600px × 4832px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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