Jowangsin
Jowangshin (in Hangul, 조왕신, in hanja, 竈王神) is the goddess of fire and the hearth in Korean shamanism. As the goddess of the hearth, the rituals dedicated to her was generally kept alive by housewives. She is no longer the subject of worship, but still remains as one of the most famous Korean deities.
Ritual
Jowangshin was regarded to embody a bowl of water held on a clay altar above the hearth.The housewife awoke early every morning and poured fresh water from a nearby well inside the bowl, then knelt before it, wishing for luck. The ritual of Jowangshin was especially well developed in southern Korea.[1] Also, every festival Jowangshin was honored with Tteok (rice cake) and fruits.[2]
Five Taboos
Because Jowangshin was believed to write down the happenings within the house and broadcast them to heaven, housewives had to follow five rules. 1. Do not curse while in the hearth.
2. Do not sit on the hearth.
3. Do not place your feet on the hearth.
4. Maintain the cleanness of the kitchen.
5. You may worship other deities in the kitchen.[3]
Other Names
Joshin (Kitchen goddess, 조신, 竈王神)
Jowanggaxi (Woman who is the king of the kitchen, 조왕각시, 竈王각시)
Jowangdaeshin (Great goddess and king of the kitchen, 조왕대신, 竈王大神)
Buttumakshin (Goddess of the hearth, 부뚜막신, 부뚜막神)