Food Trivia Question from the Oriental Oasis Newsletter
Trivia Question: Normally, I sit in the Kitchen. Sadly neglected throughout much of the year, I take on a very important role during the Chinese New Year season. According to ancient tradition, my job is to provide heaven with a report on the family's behavior during the previous months. A good report from me means good luck for a family throughout the coming year. What am I?
Answer: Many Chinese kitchens have a "Kitchen God," a statue representing the god of the kitchen, whose duty is to report on a family's behavior during the year that has just passed. It is customary at Chinese New Year to place a sticky cake in the Kitchen God's mouth - that way, he won't be able to talk too much!
The Kitchen God
More information about the role the Kitchen God plays in Chinese New Year celebrations
from Jun Shan, About.com's Guide to Chinese Culture.
