According to Chinese customs, it is important to burn joss papers. It is believed that this practice sends the material wealth and money to your deceased friends and relatives. We honor, love, and respect our deceased. That’s why many practices are still prevalent.
People who are keen, whenever they are in China, will come across small shrines constructed outside shops or at the house wall’s sides. Normally, they have lots of incense and fruits. Now, these places are where this tradition of burning joss papers happens. Here, let’s learn everything you want to know about joss papers.
Introduction to a Joss Paper
These papers are called joss papers, spirit papers, or ghost money. All mean the same thing i.e., the Chinese paper offerings. These papers are manufactured with rice paper or bamboo paper. They are used for appeasing the deceased for prosperity wishes, transformation, fertility, payment of spiritual debts, and other purposes.
Joss papers are decorated in various ways depending on their purpose. For instance, the conventional joss paper that is used for worship ancestors is generally decorated with a square of silver or gold foil. This represents stamps, money, embossing, and symbols. On the square, there’s a portion that can be used to write wishes.
Another kind of joss paper is the money one. This paper is also called hell bank notes. This conventional paper has a bank of earth seal and heaven. On the other hand, others resemble legal tender from various parts of the world.
The last uncommon type is the one that displays the material wealth or luxuries that the deceased either possessed or not. These papers come in the form of TV screens, houses, cars, and more.
The Origin of a Joss Paper
This paper came into being somewhere during the six dynasties period. That’s when life was extremely tough in ancient China. Most Chinese were farmers back then, who would toil and soil and get no produce. Then, they went for a way that would take them out of poverty. This is how the burning of a joss paper originated.
According to archaeologists, the joss paper offerings started about 1000 BC. In the tombs, money replications were left, which must have been presented for appeasing the departed. Moreover, it is said when emperors died in ancient times, their men were killed so that they would continue working for them in the divine realm.
However, people realized with time that this practice was inhuman. Thus, they started burning a joss paper. The Taoists started producing a human image with joss paper for representing servants of the emperor in the next world.
To date, the burning of a joss paper is performed at the crematoriums, grave sites, funerals, and temples. Also, it happens throughout the Qingming festival and the Hungry Ghost festival, which are celebrated between April 4 to April 6 and August 14 to September 12, respectively.
Significance of Burning a Joss Paper
On the Hungry Ghost festival, the departed come to earth for seeking food. The ritual of burning joss papers assists in absolving the grieving ghosts. It’s the responsibility of the living for ensuring that the dead souls are satisfied. This way they become their guardian angles and leave them alone.
They assist in ensuring that the departed have a nice afterlife. That’s why people include joss papers burning throughout funerals. Many religions believe that there’s life after death. Thus, this practice assists in maintaining a relationship with ancestors.
In China, many temples have big furnaces outside that is where the burning of joss papers takes place. That’s believed for bringing good fortune. You are expected for making the paper offerings but never use real money as burning actual money brings back luck.
They are used while making wishes and honoring the deities, Gods, and Ghosts. The most significant usage of joss paper is that it helps the living remember their departed ones. Therefore, it maintains a respectful relationship.
Chinese believe that those in the afterlife have the same requirements as the living. Thus, the joss paper offerings are employed for paying off debts, partake in trade. Basically, they make life easier in the spiritual realm.
Where is a joss paper used?
A joss paper is used on different occasions, where its uses are unique. It is quite right to take up that those having shrines within their residents can burn joss anytime they want.
There are some who practice this ritual on particular occasions. On the other hand, some wait for gatherings or perform it on daily basis.
At funerals – People believe that there’s a spiritual bank from where the ghosts can withdraw money. These offerings are carried out at the joss paper squares. The spirits should not arrive at the other realm empty-handed. Thus, the burning of joss paper and household things ensure their happy stay.
At death anniversaries or birthdays of ancestors – The Chinese celebrate the death anniversaries and birthdays of ancestors as they believe life does not end there. They even hold parties with favorite meals of the deceased. At that time, the burning of joss paper occurs.
Qingming festival and the Hungry Ghost month – At Qingming festival, offerings are made for appeasing the departed. Usually, this involves the burning of joss papers. The Hungry Ghost month is another event where this activity is involved. This is for calming restless ghosts, especially the ones without dear ones.
Daily activity – Chinese use the burning joss paper ritual for remembering loved ones. Also, it is done for bringing good luck. It is pretty easy to find a joss paper in China, especially in Sheng Wan, Hong Kong. In other countries, one can order them online.
How do people burn a joss paper?
When it comes to burning joss papers, there’s no particular process that you have to follow. However, the family following this ritual should carry it out in a respectful and sincere manner. One should place fruits or food on the ground or altar for appeasing the deceased. In some cases, people light up incense sticks and present their wishes or prayers.
Before the incense stick stops lighting, take the paper with both hands and make your wish. Finally, go out in open and burn the paper in a metal can.
So, this is all about joss papers. Chinese do perform this ritual on special occasions. While there are some claims that this ritual causes an environmental hazard, people do not stop this activity. It is recommended that manufacturers should use environmental-friendly materials. This tradition is still followed by many for appeasing the deceased.
Need Immediate Service? 24/7 +65 9135 4444 Dismiss
Don`t copy text!
The shopkeeper s face was full of smiles.He had been running this high class inn in Xiangzhou for most of his life, and he had seen only a handful of monks.Dafeng s territory.The little monk raised the broom in his hand and cursed Buddha If Unleash the Sweetness: Decoding the Benefits of Max Fuel Honey you say yes, you are not convinced, come up and make gestures again, this time you will be hit on your knees and calling daddy.
Your Majesty The Prime Minister of Dali Temple came out and mourned, I Unlock Your Best Self: A Deep Dive into Enlargement Supplements have been an official for twenty years.What a big tone, just relying on you to challenge us Xu Yuanhuai laughed back angrily Do you really think you are a third grade Hey, you.
Li Lingsu stroked the center of his eyebrows and said softly Don t frown, I hope to damage Sister Rong s national beauty and her beauty.So, what about our Tianzong The body is not the same as falling into the magic way, so what is the problem with Tianzong Many disciples have this kind of doubt in their hearts But they are Unleash Your Best Self: How to Enhance Male Wellness destined to be unable to get the answer Only the elders of the master and a few outstanding disciples know the method of Tianzong s practice The higher the level, the more likely they are in danger of disappearing.
She can t go against her body, she needs double cultivation to dispel the fire of karma.In the midsummer of that year, I was practicing in the courtyard, and suddenly I heard someone laughing and saying Little girl Good qualifications.
Xu Qi an got up and left the table, walked to the bed, looked at the ordinary face of Dafeng s first beauty, and then he got into the bed Bottom.If he A Closer Look at the Male Anatomy: Understanding Pendulum does not come, we have nothing to lose.At the end of the discussion, he turned his head with a pure heart, folded his palms towards Chai Xian, and said, Blesser Chai, the poor monk will take Reclaim Your Confidence: What to Know About BellaFill Male Enhancement you back to Chai Mansion, and I will use the precepts to ask benefactor Chai Xing er, and then the truth will be revealed
Chai Xian sighed, looked back at Jing Xin Do I still have a choice I only hope that the master will do what he says.
Squeamish, if it s ringtone, will ask to kick again.As soon as he Is Jelqing Real? Debunking the Myths Around Male Enhancement finished speaking, he saw Xu Qian throw something over, and after reaching for it, he found it was a kit embroidered with orchids.
If I am with you, Level Up Your Sex Life: How to Get Blue Chew at Walmart I am afraid that the only result is being captured obediently, I really went to Buddhism to become a disciple of the Buddha, what use is this iron rod for me.Chen Er didn t understand, and when he asked again, the young monk kept silent and ignored him.
The Difficult King Kong acted unilaterally, intending to capture me first Hey, this idiot King Kong has made a fool of himself.He touched Chai Jianyuan s face to confirm that there was no disguise, and there were other ways to judge the age of a corpse besides the most intuitive appearance.
I only remember two, and one is Qihai , one is Baihui.He found that his spirit was mediocre, his aura was average, and he was far from the oppressive feeling he felt when facing the elders of Unleash Your Inner Goddess: A Guide to What Are Jellqs the master.
The Son lowered his head, his mind was heavy, and he didn t say a word.Bang The Unlock Your Potential: How to Make Your Penis Thicker sound of the air machine colliding was like thunder, and the dust rose instantly, and the surrounding trees seemed to be bent down by the strong wind.
Are you awake Luo Yuheng smiled, resting her head on his shoulder, and said softly, Don t move, I think it s more reassuring to just lean on you like this.They understood Xu Qian s words, and the premise of forbearance was to look for opportunities or accumulate strength.
I want them to pay for my child s life.My child is still so young, he is still so young, what can I do without me.Thinking in this way, he threw the teacup in his hand down hard at him, and the crisp sound of bang exploded in the empty living room in an instant.
After thinking about it, he asked in a cautious tone Is this the first time this sudden headache and coma Yu Liao just wanted to say it was the first time, but Qin Su hurriedly said No, he also had a headache when he was a child, but it was not as serious as this time.No one in this world is as familiar with it as I am.
Gu Jia, holding Su sect head hostage is nothing more than threatening us to let you die, how noble are you The person who spoke was an elder of the Zeyang sect.If the borderline defender doesn t even have this ability to save the Daoist, it would be too boring.
As soon as he finished speaking, both Su Yan er Unleash Your Inner Strength: How to Use Titan Male to Maximize Your Confidence and Meng Xun cast their gazes on the stack of paper samples for punishment.She has thought about the taste of pear cake for a long time, but unfortunately the human world is now It s not the time for pear blossoms.
No, A Su, you re too ostentatious here, I m used to it.Cut to pieces.Chen Yuanwai woke up from sleepiness after hearing the first half of her sentence, he didn t pay attention to who was lying on the ground when he entered the room, and now he heard her words and looked at the black man who was lying on the ground viciously.
As the sun sank, she took her disciples and Gu Jia to bid farewell to the senior brothers and sisters.He said, and he moved closer to her.Listening to his shameless words, Yu Liao let out a sigh of relief.
After all this trouble, this young man is indeed short lived as Tan Su said.This is how the aristocratic family has always grasped the attention.
He slightly pursed the corner of his lower lip towards her opposite, Thousands of words arose in my heart for a while.Now, he is sending a long wooden box in his hand to Qin Su.
Su Mu personally visited the people who took the elixir at night.The next moment, Yu Liao stepped forward a few steps, she wanted to reach out to touch the stone statue.
When almost all the members of the righteous way turned Boost Your Bedroom Confidence: How to Last Longer against each other and ended up at the end of the road.He even felt that the sweat that was breaking out at this moment was due to his physical failure.
But I don t Unleash Your Inner Beast: Exploring the World of Primal Male XL want the humble official to offend His Highness somehow, so that His Highness is so cruel, and he shuts himself behind closed doors.Juren will not teach children to be enlightened.Even if he is a scholar, teaching children to be enlightened is already a sledgehammer, but there is no way, the parents give too much.
A formation Xu Qi an watched with relish.No, this is a feng shui formation, strictly speaking, it s not a formation.From the capital to Qingyun Mountain, it takes two hours to Unlock Your Potential: A Deep Dive into Ed Supplements go back and forth.
Her eyes widened instantly and she forgot to cook.This smell is both familiar and unfamiliar to her.Song Tingfeng told Li Yuchun what had happened, and the latter listened quietly and nodded slowly, As expected of the gong I brought out, it s a good one, and it didn t embarrass me.
I don t know if the old monk will Boost Your Confidence: Find Male Enhancement Injections Near You take a monkey as an apprentice on the way, it must be very interesting, hehe.Wei Yuan didn t raise his head, and said calmly It seems that the life in the capital is still a bit more comfortable.
In the warm inner hall, more than 20 beautiful women and handsome young men gathered, including a few eleven or twelve Boys who are 10 years old.Except for the three warlocks in white.You found this account book Yang Chuannan stared at him.
Although Xu Qi an is a minion of the imperial court, this will not reduce his quality.The Huben Guards were already battle hardened warriors, and with the addition of the batters who were trained in Qi, if they cooperated with the city defense army, it would not be difficult to defend the guards from the army s attack.
Oil lamps are used for blowing, what does it mean to turn off the lights Zhu Guangxiao was also spitting, and when he heard this, he paused for a moment, opened his eyes and said, In addition to the oiran of the Jiaofang Division, I think that Lu Unlocking the Blue Chew Secret: A Deep Dive into This Popular Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Butou of the government office is also very fond of Ningyan.
The next day, just after Mao time, the eunuchs from the Queen s Palace brought a batch of gold, silver and jade wares to the Dagengren Yamen.Daoist Priest said with surprise in his Boost Confidence: Is Male Organ Enlargement Cream Right For You? eyes, I seem to have overlooked something.
He has a keen mind.Xu Qi an clicked his tongue twice.Did your mysterious guest say anything Zhao Rui clasped his fists and said Let us send this person to the post station, hand it over to the governor, and say that he is a wanted criminal by the court.
We can guess this point, and people from the Witch God Cult can also think of it.Playing tricks in this world is not a kind of high place.