Gods of Six Livestock

Horses, cattle, sheep, chickens, dogs, and pigs—the 'Six Livestock'—constituted the most vital assets of traditional Chinese farming households. Folk belief holds that each livestock species is overseen by its own tutelary deity; collectively, they are worshipped as the Gods of Six Livestock, though some communities practice separate veneration of the Ox King, Horse King (also known as 'Lord Mawang'), Pig-Pen Deity, Chicken-Coop Deity, and others. From the 1st to the 6th day of the 1st lunar month, popular custom designates each day respectively for chickens, dogs, pigs, sheep, cattle, and horses; clear, warm weather on a given day is believed to portend prosperity for that particular animal. When constructing new barns or enclosures, farmers select an auspicious date; the gate is adorned with the horizontal scroll 'Six Livestock Thriving', and during festivals, incense and ritual meals are offered at the enclosure to petition divine protection against disease and to ensure healthy reproduction and robust growth. The worship of the Gods of Six Livestock directly reflects the socioeconomic realities of agrarian life in traditional China.