ZAO JUN
Chinese Hearth God
Also known as Tsao-Chun, Tsao-Shen, Tsao-Wang, Zao Shen, Zao Wang
Domestic God of the Fireplace
He had one hell of a life as a mortal. It all seemed to be going so well... until he fell in love with another woman.
From there it was the old old story of losing his wife, going blind, losing his mistress, becoming a beggar and getting burnt to ashes in the kitchen stove.
However, as luck would have it, there was a vacancy for a Kitchen God and he got the job, helped by the piety of his grieving mistress. Now he can be found in every household, keeping an eye on things and offering protection.
Something of a celestial snoop, he compiles an official report on every family which is sent to the Jade Emperor on New Year’s Day. But he’s not above a little bribery. Next time you have a Chinese take-out, order some extra noodles or honey cakes to keep him happy. And he does like a drink.
Zao Jun Facts and Figures
Name: Zao Jun
Pronunciation: Dzaow Joon
Alternative names: Tsao-Chun, Tsao-Shen, Tsao-Wang, Zao Shen, Zao Wang
Gender: Male
Type: God
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present
Role:
In charge of: the Hearth
Area of expertise: Hearth
Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 6501
Cite this article
Here's the info you need to cite this page. Just copy the text in the box below.
Article last revised on September 25, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders
References: Coming soon.