The Lord of the Stove is a god of Chinese folk beliefs, usually regarded as the guardian god of the family stove, so the Lord of the Stove can be said to be a god who has a very close relationship with people, he is responsible for supervising the cooking of the family, and at the end of the year, he will report to the Emperor of Heaven on the family affairs and good and evil of the year, so the common people will use honey to glue the mouth of the Lord of the Stove on the day of the Lord of the Stove, that is, on the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, because the legend uses sugar to stick the mouth of the Lord of the Stove to the Lord of the Stove, and he will say good things and not say bad things after he goes to heaven. Therefore, in traditional Chinese culture, the Lord of the Stove is closely connected with the lives of the common people, which is of great significance.
The Lord of the Stove is a manifestation of the patron saint of the family. In ancient China, the stove was one of the most important places in the home, responsible for the family's diet. Therefore, it is believed that the gods on the stove can bless the family's peace, health, and happiness. The common people will worship the king of the stove on the stove and pray for the safety and success of the family. In folk beliefs, the Lord of the Stove is also a god who drives away evil spirits and wards off evil spirits, so many families will pay special attention to the location of the stove and the worship of the Lord of the Stove when moving or decorating.
Secondly, the Lord of the Stove has a unique position in folk beliefs. In traditional Chinese culture, the Lord of the Stove is regarded as one of the five rituals, namely the spring ritual household, the summer ritual stove, the autumn ritual gate, the winter ritual well, and the middle ritual soil. This shows the important position of the Lord of the Stove in folk beliefs, and also reflects people's belief and worship of the Lord of the Stove. At the same time, the Lord of the Stove is also a member of the Taoist immortal system, and is respected as the "Nine Heavens Destiny True Monarch", responsible for the fate and blessings of the human family. Therefore, many Taoist temples and temples will enshrine the idol of the Lord of the Stove, attracting many believers to come and worship.
In addition, the Lord of the Stove is closely connected with the lives of the common people. In ancient China, many families would place some offerings on the stove, such as fruits, sweets, etc., to show respect and worship for the king of the stove. At the same time, people will also hold a sacrificial ceremony at the end of the year to thank the Lord of the Stove for his blessing and protection over the past year. At this time, people will place sumptuous offerings on the offering table, set off firecrackers, and see off the Lord of the Stove. These sacrificial activities are not only the belief and worship of the Lord of the Stove, but also the prayer and pursuit of family peace, health and happiness.
In addition, the image of the Lord of the Stove is also widely depicted in folk literature. In many local operas, legends, and stories, the Lord of the Stove is portrayed as a benevolent old man who not only guards the safety and happiness of his family, but also appears at critical moments to help people solve problems and difficulties. These stories and legends not only enrich people's knowledge and belief in the Lord of the Stove, but also reflect people's yearning and pursuit of family, affection and life.
To sum up, as an important deity in folk beliefs, the Lord of the Stove is closely connected with the lives of ordinary people. He is a manifestation of the patron saint of the family, representing the peace, health, happiness and protection of destiny of the family. At the same time, in folk literature, beliefs and traditions, the Lord of the Stove also has a unique status and significance. Through offerings, sacrifices and legends, people continue to strengthen their belief and worship of the Lord of the Stove, and express their good wishes and pursuits for family and life.