Menshen (門神)

Historically the door spirit appears in early Chinese texts (recorded sacrifices to a door spirit in the Book of Rites). By the Han period the door spirit had become the two gods Shenshu and Yulü represented on peachwood and affixed to doors. A later popular Tang-era legend records that Emperor Taizong was plagued by nightmares and ordered portraits of his generals Qin Shubao and Yuchi Gong to be painted and affixed to gates; copying of that imperial practice spread their use as menshen among the populace.

Menshen are most commonly depicted as human figures—painted or printed portraits pasted to paired doors, carved reliefs, or freestanding statues. The Tang-origin martial pair (deified generals Qin Shubao and Yuchi Gong) are traditionally shown in military dress. Early practice used painted names or images of Shenshu and Yulü on peachwood tablets. Paired figures are customarily arranged facing each other on double doors; placing them back-to-back is traditionally considered inauspicious.

Menshen function as apotropaic guardians that ward off evil influences from entering a dwelling and, in some variants, attract blessings (civil door gods). Their agency is manifested through images, tablets, or statues affixed to thresholds; historically sacrifices to the door spirit are attested in classical texts, and temple incorporation of guardian figures shows overlap with other protective cults. Legends frame them as standing watch at night to prevent spiritual intrusion.