In folklore, Stove-kun is calledVestaor the king of the stove, is in chargeKitchenof the gods. There are many different theories about the identity and origin of the stove king. According to theHuainanziand ".Weekly RitesAccording to the records, Zao Jun was first believed to be the Yellow Emperor and the Yan Emperor, and was the deity in charge of fire and stoves. In the Taoist tradition, the stove king is called Zhurong, who is in charge of the fire god andKitchenLord God.
In the Tang Dynasty, the image of Zao Jun was given specific character characteristics. According to the ".Youyang miscellaneousIt is recorded that the Tang Dynasty's Zao Jun was named Zhang Dan, and he had to go to heaven at the end of each month to report to heaven about the good and evil in the world, and a big mistake would deduct 300 days of human life, and a small mistake would deduct 100 days of life. Since then, the image of Zao Jun has also been described in many different ways in folk circulation, some legends say that he is a beautiful man who loves to wear red or yellow clothes, and some legends say that he is a kind poor boy. It can be said that different eras and regions have different perceptions and descriptions of Zaojun.
1.Cleaning、BathingDressing: Before the sacrifice stove, the stove room should first be thoroughly cleaned and cleaned at the same timeBathingChange clothes to show clarity of body and mind and a reverent attitude.
At the same time, it is also possible to symbolically place someKitchenutensils and stoves are cleaned to show that they are rightVestaRespect and gratitude. A clean environment can beVestaFeel comfortable and happy, and in turn bless the familyPeaceand happiness.
2.Altar table, offerings: inKitchenon the stove orKitchenA sacrificial table is placed on the south wall, and offerings are placed on the sacrificial table to be offered to the stove king. Offerings can be chosen according to individual or family preferences, with the rich arguing allowing more food to be placed and the poor being able to put some in moderationSugar melon, small cakes, dumplings and water, etc.
3.Incense: After the offerings are placed, the incense is applied. Under normal circumstances, three incense sticks should be lit three times each time the incense is applied. This is done so that the gods can fully enjoy itGastronomyand the hospitality of the family, and then bless the familyPeaceand auspicious.
These three steps are the basic elements of the folk ritual of sacrificing the stove, through which people pay homage to the stove-kun and pray for the well-being and happiness of the family.
1.The time of the sacrificial stove should be chosen after the unitary time: according to folkloreVestaYou will not return home until after 5 to 7 p.m., so you should not go too early to worship the stove. Choosing the appropriate time for the sacrificial stove can beVestaFeel the sincerity and respect of your family.
2.Women should not sacrifice to the stove: There is a popular saying among the people: "Men do not worship the moon, women do not sacrifice to the stove". This is because the moon is yin and the woman is yinVestaIt is yang, so women usually avoid it during the ritual of sacrificing the stove. In addition, there is also a theory that the stove-kun is a beautiful man, and in order to avoid the "defense of men and women", women are required to keep their distance when worshipping the stove.
3.The sacrificial stove should be harmonious and harmonious, and no killing should be made: During the sacrificial stove, family members should maintain a harmonious atmosphere and no quarrels or swearing. In addition, on the day of sacrifice, it is also necessary to refrain from killing and respect life, so as not to offend the gods and bring calamity.
The sacrificial stove is an important family ritual through which people pay homage to:VestaExpress gratitude, prayPeaceand happiness. On this special day, we should follow the traditional sacrificial stove ritual with a pious attitude to inherit and carry forward the Chinese traditionCultureAt the same time, we should also pay attention to harmony and humanitarianism with our familiesValues