In Chinese Taoism, the Kitchen God (灶神, Zào Shén) plays a central role in domestic spirituality and serves as a household deity responsible for overseeing family affairs and moral behavior. At the end of the lunar year, he performs a crucial task:

Reporting to the Jade Emperor

• The Kitchen God ascends to Heaven to report to the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝), the supreme deity in Taoist belief.
• His report contains details about the household’s actions and behavior over the past year, focusing on moral conduct and deeds. This report influences the family's fortune in the coming year.

Preparations and Farewell Rituals

• Traditionally, families send off the Kitchen God with a special farewell ceremony around the 23rd or 24th day of the 12th lunar month. The date varies by region.
• Offerings such as sweet foods (e.g., sticky rice cakes or maltose candies) are presented to "sweeten" the report, ensuring the Kitchen God delivers a favorable account of the family’s behavior.
• Incense, wine, and paper effigies of the Kitchen God are often burned as part of the ritual to symbolically send him to Heaven.

Welcoming the Kitchen God Back

• After completing his celestial duties, the Kitchen God returns to the household on New Year’s Eve. A new paper effigy of the deity is usually installed above the stove to symbolize his presence for the coming year.

The Kitchen God’s role emphasizes accountability, moral reflection, and the cyclical renewal of spiritual protection in the home.