柒殿 · 護法與民間神
Guardians & Gods of the People
Step across the threshold - History's most loyal generals and honest officials raised to godhood, and the intimate gods of daily life — city, village, hearth. Together they form the living grassroots of the Taoist world.
6 Deities on display
王
First Gatekeeper of Every Temple
Marshal Wang, Chief Guardian
The fiercest protector of the Taoist faith, instantly recognizable by his third eye and flaming golden whip. His statue stands guard at the entrance of nearly every Taoist temple, testing the sincerity of all who enter.
- The all-seeing third eye
- Golden demon-subduing whip
- Flaming aura
關
The Sage of Loyalty
Guan Di, God of War & Loyalty
The historical general Guan Yu of the Three Kingdoms era, whose loyalty and righteousness were so admired that he was progressively ennobled — by emperors into a god. Police, merchants and martial artists all claim him as patron.
- Green Dragon Crescent Blade
- Red face of righteous fury
- The oath of the Peach Garden
財
Marshal Zhao of Prosperity
Caishen, God of Wealth
Most commonly identified with the marshal Zhao Gongming, keeper of the treasury of heaven. On the fifth day of the New Year, households across China open their doors to welcome him with firecrackers, hoping for an honest and prosperous year.
- Golden yuanbao ingot
- Iron whip and black tiger
- New Year's welcome offerings
城
Spiritual Magistrate of the City
Chenghuang, the City God
Every walled city had its own City God — a spiritual magistrate mirroring the human official, judging disputes, escorting souls, and protecting walls and people. The office was usually filled by a historical official famed for justice.
- Judge's tablet
- The city wall and moat
- The spiritual yamen court
福
Guardian of Every Village
Tudi Gong, the Earth God
The lowest-ranked and most numerous of all gods — there is a land god for every street, field and doorway. A kindly white-bearded elder with his staff and ingot, he is the first deity households thank and the last they abandon.
- Golden staff
- Yuanbao ingot
- The tiny village shrine
灶
Recorder of the Household
Zao Jun, the Kitchen God
The divine inspector who lives above the stove and records every word spoken in the house. On the 23rd of the last lunar month he ascends to report to heaven — families smear honey on his lips so his report will be sweet.
- The hearth fire
- Tablet of household records
- Sweet offerings before his ascent