A Guide to Understanding Joss Paper and Spirit Money
What is Joss Paper?
Joss Paper, commonly referred to as ghost money or spirit money, is a type of paper commonly used during religious ceremonies, particularly in ancestor veneration and traditional Buddhist and Taoist funerals. It is symbolically treated as currency in the afterlife.
Ghost money has been an important part of Chinese spiritual traditions for centuries. It is a symbolic gesture meant to send wealth or items to the ancestors’ afterlife.
The Origins and History of Joss Paper
Joss paper originated in China during the Wei and Jin dynasties (220–420 AD) and was initially used as paper money. Rather than burning it, people originally used paper money to honour deceased loved ones by placing it in burials, scattering it, or hanging it as a sign of remembrance.
Over time, the act of burning paper money gained prominence due to its symbolic connection with the underworld, as the rising smoke was believed to enable communication with the spirit realm. This practice eventually became the standard method for utilising joss paper. The integration of fire offerings with traditional Chinese funeral customs further solidified the practice of burning joss paper.
Today, individuals honour the departed by burning paper items such as joss paper, paper figures, and even paper horses. The ritual symbolises the wish for loved ones to enjoy a prosperous afterlife while also seeking their blessings for peace, success, and achievements in the lives, studies, and careers of future generations.
Types of Joss Paper
Traditional Joss Paper
The traditional composition of Joss Paper includes materials like bamboo or rice paper. Each sheet is designed with symbolic elements meant to convey wealth or respect.
Common Characteristics & Types:
- White Joss Paper: Represents mourning and remembrance
- Gold or Silver Foil: Embedded in the paper to signify wealth
- Gold Paper Shapes: Designed to resemble ingots or other symbols of fortune
Spirit Money
Spirit money, also known as hell money or heaven money, has been a significant part of Asian spiritual practices for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to around 1000 BC, with evidence of symbolic money discovered in ancient tombs. These early forms included objects like stones, bones, and cowrie shells, which were used as representations of wealth for ceremonial purposes.
During the Spring and Autumn period (1600 – 1046 BC), archaeologists found early versions of this symbolic currency made from materials like lead, bronze, and clay, shaped to resemble gold plaques. Initially, it was thought these items were used primarily by poorer individuals; however, the discovery of similar offerings in the tombs of wealthy individuals challenged this idea.
In modern times, spirit money has transformed from the traditional joss paper into a contemporary symbolic monetary offering, featuring visual representations of numerical denominations similar to those found on modern paper currency.
The Purpose of Spirit Money:
This paper currency is burned as part of rituals to transfer wealth and offerings to ancestors and spirits. Spirit money acts as a symbolic payment for spiritual obligations and debts.
Examples of Spirit Money Symbolism:
Portraits of the Jade Emperor, an important deity in Taoist beliefs.There are also representations of “Hell Banks” or “Heaven Banks”. These notes are often created in denominations that mimic modern money, including currencies like the Vietnamese Dong, Chinese Yuan and even US Dollar.
Paper Object
Beyond spirit money, other symbolic paper items are burned during rituals to represent goods, services, or luxuries for use by the ancestors in the afterlife.
Examples of Paper Offerings:
- Paper vehicles, such as luxury cars or buses.
- Paper household items, such as rice cookers and TVs.
- Paper clothing and jewellery, particularly expensive and branded designs.
- Paper homes, including villas and manorial homes.
These symbolic items are meant to represent wealth, status, and comfort for ancestors in their afterlife journey.
How to Burn Joss Paper
Burning Joss Paper involves placing it respectfully in a bundle or shaping it in specific ways (such as gold ingots) before putting it into a fire. This symbolic act stems from the belief that actual money should not be casually discarded.
In countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, the traditional method of folding joss paper involves placing one thumb in the centre of the joss paper stack while using the fingers of the other hand to make a sequential circular motion. This technique ensures that the joss paper is spread evenly, allowing it to burn more uniformly.
When is Joss Paper Used?
Besides being used in funerals, memorials and temple worship, the burning of joss paper has always been deeply rooted in Chinese festivals and traditions. Here are some prominent festivals where joss papers are usually burnt as offerings.
Hungry Ghost Festival
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Zhong Yuan Festival or simply Ghost Festival, is a significant event in both Buddhist and Taoist traditions. While its meaning differs slightly between the two religions—Taoism focuses on appeasing wandering spirits, whereas Buddhism highlights the importance of filial piety—it is celebrated with similar rituals.
The festival is believed to occur when the gates of the underworld open, allowing spirits to return to the world of the living to visit their families. To honour the deceased and ensure they enjoy a comfortable afterlife, Chinese families burn paper offerings, such as joss paper and symbolic goods.
Fun fact: The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month according to the Chinese calendar, typically falling in August or September on the Gregorian calendar.
Qin Ming Festival
Qingming, often referred to as Grave Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival dedicated to remembering and honouring ancestors. Celebrated for over 2,500 years, it typically falls in the first week of April, based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar, which combines lunar phases and solar positioning to determine dates.
During this time, families visit ancestral graves to show respect. Activities include cleaning the graves, sharing a meal, presenting offerings, and burning joss paper, which symbolises monetary gifts for the afterlife. The food offerings usually feature dishes or ingredients that the deceased enjoyed during their lifetime.
FAQs About Joss Paper
What is the purpose of burning Joss Paper?
Burning Joss Paper is a symbolic act to send material goods to ancestors and deities in the afterlife, ensuring they have a comfortable existence.
What are the different types of Joss Paper, and how are they used?
There are traditional Joss Papers with gold or silver foil, spirit money resembling modern currency, and symbolic paper items like cars, clothing, and houses, each representing wealth, respect, or comfort for the deceased.
When should Joss Paper be burned?
Joss Paper is typically burned during festivals like Qingming and Hungry Ghost Festival, at funerals, memorial services, or when paying respects at ancestor graves.
Can non-Chinese individuals participate in Joss Paper rituals?
Yes, non-Chinese people can participate, especially if they are joining in to respect a loved one’s culture or beliefs.
Is it necessary to fold Joss Paper before burning?
While folding is a traditional practice to symbolically prepare the paper as ingots or currency, it’s not strictly necessary in all ceremonies.
Are there environmental concerns with burning Joss Paper?
Burning Joss Paper contributes to air pollution. Eco-friendly practices, like using biodegradable paper or symbolic gestures without burning, are growing in popularity.
Can Joss Paper be reused if not burned?
It’s considered disrespectful to reuse Joss Paper for another ceremony, as it’s specifically dedicated to the intended spirit or ancestor.
Is it bad luck to burn Joss Paper incorrectly?
While there are no strict rules, burning Joss Paper improperly or carelessly may be viewed as disrespectful, so rituals are often conducted with mindfulness.
Conclusion
Joss Paper and spirit money are more than ceremonial items—they represent a cultural and spiritual connection between the living and their ancestors. These traditions continue to highlight themes of respect, honour, and spirituality in Chinese culture.
These symbolic acts not only pay homage to ancestors but also serve as a reflection of ancient beliefs and values that continue to hold meaning today.
For support with ceremonial or funeral arrangements, feel free to reach out to us at A.LifeGrad Funeral. Explore our extensive Buddhist and Taoist funeral packages—we would be honoured to assist you.