Zhong Kui is a ghost and demon slayer. He is a personal protector and household deity. His picture is hung up at the end of the year, or on the 5th day of the 5th month to scare away evil spirits and demons.

He is sometimes portrayed with a black face, protruding eyes and curly black beard. He is usually dressed in red robe, black boots and wears a traditional Chinese Governor hat. He usually holds a mystic sword that can kill demons and ghosts. He is sometimes accompanied by a bat, which in Chinese culture symbolizes good luck and good fortune.

The origin of Zhong Kui is somewhat unclear. In one story, he was said to be a scholar who wished to attend the state examinations. On his way to the state exam, he came across a temple where monks were feasting and worshiping demons. Getting drunk, he informed the monks that demons, who harmed men, should be destroyed and not honored with a feast. This outburst upset some demons and they complained to Buddha, who decided Zhong Kui should be punished. Zhong Kui was then attacked by the unhappy demons who altered his appearance by turning his face black and giving him a comical beard.

Zhong Kui eventually attended and passed the examination but could not get employment due to his hideous appearance. In shame, he committed suicide. Once in hell, he was admired for his hatred of demons and was given an army of soldiers to help him slay them. In some stories he is the guardian of the bridge that leads to the underworld.

In this image Zhong Kui is fighting a demon at the bridge that leads to the underworld.