![]() I’ll leave you to form your own opinions about joss paper iPads, sports cars and mansions complete with servants. More contemporary additions like joss paper clothing, shoes and lengths of fabric also seem practical. With this context, joss paper ingots and currency with denominations reaching into the billions serve an obvious purpose. Joss paper is burned at funerals and during important dates thereafter to help the deceased pay off debts, trade for goods and exist comfortably in the spirit world. Put in more contemporary terms, burning joss paper provides the opportunity to make space and take time to remember the loved ones in your life.Īccording to tradition, the Chinese believe that the deceased have needs similar to those in the natural world. Taking time to care for ancestors in the afterlife ultimately reflects the value the Chinese place on filial piety and respect for one’s elders and ancestors. For instance, Hell Bank Notes are commonly found in regions where Cantonese populations dominate, but are rarely seen or used in places such as Taiwan or Macau, which predominantly use bamboo paper sheets. Different regions of the world have preferences for the type of joss paper that is used. Joss paper may be decorated with different seals, stamps, pieces of contrasting paper, engraved designs or other motifs. Burning joss paper at funerals became standard practice by the 12th century and the custom arrived in the United States with the first Chinese immigrants who arrived in California during the 19th century.Īs you shop for joss paper, note that variations abound. Settle in - this comprehensive guide is here to help.ĭepending on your source, the earliest joss paper rituals date back more than a thousand years to when paper coins were burned to please the spirits. ![]() Consequently, adopting joss paper customs here in the United States without a direct cultural connection can be intimidating. Joss paper customs are rich with symbolism and family history, the type of tradition you can imagine being shared in Chinese from grandmothers to their grandchildren. American Chinatowns have had dedicated joss paper stores since the first immigrants arrived in this country. It’s common to burn joss paper at funerals, on ancestor birthdays and during important holidays like the Qingming Festival and the Hungry Ghost Festival.Īrguably the most famous place to buy joss paper is in Hong Kong, where there’s an entire district in Sheung Wan dedicated to these types of goods. Sign up for our newsletter to receive our best activity, recipe and craft ideas before every Chinese holiday.īurning joss paper is a traditional Chinese-Taoist practice that sends money and materials goods to deceased relatives in the afterlife. This article is part of our Qingming Festival Family Guide.
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