She

The term "She" in ancient Chinese religion refers to a compound patron deity of the soil and harvests. Early Chinese emperors worshipped She, believing they were responsible for the entire earth and country. This worship encompassed five earth spirits associated with various natural features like mountains, forests, and rivers.1

Over time, a more particularized cult of soil gods emerged. Ordinary people, excluded from imperial sacrifices, developed their own deities, such as Hou Ji, to protect their land and grain. These local deities, known as Tudi Gong (Earth God), were often depicted as a couple in small shrines and temples across the country. While initially representing the gods of soil and grain, these images eventually came to be seen as husband and wife.1