In the kitchen, as in life, seek balance

Today, the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, is the day to welcome the Kitchen God (Zao Jun), the God of Fortune, and other deities back to the home.

The Kitchen God – also known as the God of the Stove – originally left for Heaven a week before the new year (on the 23rd or 24th day of the 12th lunar month) to report the family’s deeds to the Jade Emperor. To ensure a favorable report, families offered him sticky sweets like Nian Gao or honey to “seal his lips” or “sweeten his words” before his departure.

On this fourth day, he returns to the household. Traditionally, it is believed that the journey from Heaven to Earth takes time, so while he leaves Heaven in the morning, he arrives at people’s houses in the afternoon. Therefore, the Welcome Ceremony is typically held in the afternoon. Families prepare a ceremonial table with offerings such as “three types of meat” (pork, chicken, and fish), fruits like oranges for prosperity, and wine. Incense is lit, and families stay home to prepare these abundant offerings, asking for ample food and protection in the coming year.

(this is my kitchen god.)

After the Welcome Ceremony, families will explore firecracker to welcome The God of Stove back into the house.

This day is also known as “Sheep Day” based on the creation myth of the goddess Nüwa, who created sheep on the fourth day of the world. The auspicious saying “three rams bring bliss” (San Yang Kai Tai) is connected to this day; it signifies that a good beginning leads to a happy ending and the arrival of new opportunities.