Among the various Chinese-Taoist traditions, one of them is burning joss paper, and it is believed to help send money and things to dead relatives in the other world. Typically, the joss paper’s torching is done during funerals, important holidays, and ancestor’s birthdays. The practice and different customs have a lot of family history and symbolism, and they are passed from one generation to the other.
Below are some of the things to know about buying and burning joss paper:
Understanding Joss Paper
Generally, joss paper offerings stand for money and other crucial items that people need in life like clothes, food, and electronics. And the idea behind burning joss paper is to send an offering to the spirit world, which is relayed through the smoke. The basic joss paper representing ‘everyday necessities” came from coarse bamboo paper and was adorned with gold to represent money. It has different sizes and can be burnt in its original shape or folded into the body of traditional gold ingots, an ancient currency in China.
Occasions When Joss Paper Is Burnt
There are numerous occasions to burn joss paper during the year, and each has different requirements and meanings. Burning joss paper is almost a daily spiritual practice; to some, it is done only at holidays or important family meetings. Such gatherings include funerals as the Chinese believe that one should not arrive in the spirit world with debt or empty-handed. During death, anniversaries or ancestor birthdays which is like a party for the dead. You can cook his favorite meal and burn joss paper money in his remembrance. In daily life, Chinese families have it at home to burn every day when a deceased is remembered.
Reasons to Burn Joss Paper
Taking some time to care for the ancestors in the afterlife reflects the value the Chinese put on filial piety and the respect placed for ancestors and elders. Contemporarily, burning joss paper allows creating space and thinking of the loved ones in life. According to tradition, the Chinese believe that the dead have needs like those who are alive. It is burned during important dates and at funerals to help them pay off their debts, exist comfortably in spirit, and trade for goods.…