Joss paper: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 15:29, 9 December 2024

File:Joss paper burning on the street, Tai Po, Hong Kong, 2023.webm

Article about Joss paper

Joss paper, also known as ghost money, is a type of paper offering used in traditional Chinese ancestor veneration. It is commonly burned in various Asian spiritual practices to honor the deceased and ensure their well-being in the afterlife. Joss paper is often made to resemble money, gold, or other valuable items, and is used in ceremonies to provide for ancestors and deities.

History[edit]

The use of joss paper dates back to ancient China, where it was believed that the deceased would need money and other goods in the afterlife. The practice is rooted in the Chinese cultural belief in the afterlife and the importance of filial piety. Over time, the tradition spread to other parts of Asia, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asian countries with significant Chinese populations.

Types of Joss Paper[edit]

Joss paper comes in various forms, each serving a different purpose in rituals:

Spirit Money: This is the most common form of joss paper, often printed to resemble currency. It is believed to provide financial support to ancestors in the afterlife.
Gold and Silver Paper: These are sheets of paper that are colored or printed to resemble gold and silver ingots. They symbolize wealth and prosperity.
Hell Bank Notes: These are specially designed notes that are used to bribe the underworld officials to ensure a smooth passage for the deceased.
Paper Effigies: These are paper models of items such as houses, cars, and clothing, which are burned to provide the deceased with comfort and luxury in the afterlife.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Joss paper plays a crucial role in the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, and the Hungry Ghost Festival. During these times, families visit the graves of their ancestors, clean the tombstones, and offer joss paper along with food and incense. The burning of joss paper is a symbolic act of transferring resources to the spirit world.

Contemporary Practices[edit]

In modern times, the practice of burning joss paper has faced criticism due to environmental concerns. The smoke and ash produced by burning large quantities of joss paper contribute to air pollution. As a result, some communities have sought alternative methods, such as offering digital joss paper or making donations to charity in lieu of burning paper.

Also see[edit]

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-[[File:StacksofJossPaper.jpg|thumb|StacksofJossPaper]] [[file:Burning_fake_money.JPG|right|thumb|Burning_fake_money]] [[file:銀紙.jpg|right|thumb|銀紙]] [[file:金紙.jpg|thumb|金紙]] [[file:Joss_paper_burning_on_the_street,_Tai_Po,_Hong_Kong,_2023.webm|thumb|Joss_paper_burning_on_the_street,_Tai_Po,_Hong_Kong,_2023.webm]] [[file:Joss_Paper_Made_of_Gold_in_Jin_Dynasty_2012-05.JPG|thumb|Joss_Paper_Made_of_Gold_in_Jin_Dynasty_2012-05]] [[file:大百壽金.jpg|thumb|大百壽金]] '''Joss paper'''
+[[File:Burning fake money.JPG|thumb]] [[File:銀紙.jpg|thumb]] [[File:金紙.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Joss paper burning on the street, Tai Po, Hong Kong, 2023.webm|thumb]] {{Short description|Article about Joss paper}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-[[File:Joss paper.jpg|thumb|Joss paper offerings]]
+'''Joss paper''', also known as '''ghost money''', is a type of paper offering used in traditional Chinese ancestor veneration. It is commonly burned in various Asian spiritual practices to honor the deceased and ensure their well-being in the afterlife. Joss paper is often made to resemble money, gold, or other valuable items, and is used in ceremonies to provide for ancestors and deities.
-'''Joss paper''', also known as '''ghost money''', '''spirit money''', or '''ancestor money''', is a form of [[ritual]] [[paper]] offering used in traditional [[Chinese culture]]. These papers are often burned as offerings to the deceased during various [[Chinese festivals]] and [[ancestor worship]] ceremonies. The practice is rooted in the belief that burning joss paper sends the offerings to the [[spirit world]], where they can be used by the deceased.
+==History==
+The use of joss paper dates back to ancient China, where it was believed that the deceased would need money and other goods in the afterlife. The practice is rooted in the Chinese cultural belief in the afterlife and the importance of filial piety. Over time, the tradition spread to other parts of Asia, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asian countries with significant Chinese populations.
 ==Types of Joss Paper==
-Joss paper comes in various forms, each serving different purposes and representing different values. Common types include:
+Joss paper comes in various forms, each serving a different purpose in rituals:
-* '''Gold and Silver Joss Paper''': These are typically used to represent wealth and prosperity.
+* '''Spirit Money''': This is the most common form of joss paper, often printed to resemble currency. It is believed to provide financial support to ancestors in the afterlife.
-* '''Hell Bank Notes''': These are imitation banknotes that are believed to be used by spirits in the afterlife.
+* '''Gold and Silver Paper''': These are sheets of paper that are colored or printed to resemble gold and silver ingots. They symbolize wealth and prosperity.
-* '''Clothing and Accessories''': Paper replicas of clothing, shoes, and other personal items are also burned as offerings.
+* '''Hell Bank Notes''': These are specially designed notes that are used to bribe the underworld officials to ensure a smooth passage for the deceased.
+* '''Paper Effigies''': These are paper models of items such as houses, cars, and clothing, which are burned to provide the deceased with comfort and luxury in the afterlife.
 ==Cultural Significance==
-The use of joss paper is deeply embedded in [[Chinese culture]] and is particularly prominent during festivals such as the [[Qingming Festival]], also known as [[Tomb-Sweeping Day]], and the [[Hungry Ghost Festival]]. During these times, families honor their ancestors by cleaning their graves and making offerings, including the burning of joss paper.
+Joss paper plays a crucial role in the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, and the Hungry Ghost Festival. During these times, families visit the graves of their ancestors, clean the tombstones, and offer joss paper along with food and incense. The burning of joss paper is a symbolic act of transferring resources to the spirit world.
-==Rituals and Practices==
+==Contemporary Practices==
-The process of burning joss paper is often accompanied by other rituals, such as the offering of food and incense. The paper is usually folded into specific shapes before being burned, a practice believed to enhance its effectiveness in reaching the spirit world.
+In modern times, the practice of burning joss paper has faced criticism due to environmental concerns. The smoke and ash produced by burning large quantities of joss paper contribute to air pollution. As a result, some communities have sought alternative methods, such as offering digital joss paper or making donations to charity in lieu of burning paper.
-==Environmental Concerns==
+==Also see==
-In recent years, the practice of burning joss paper has come under scrutiny due to environmental concerns. The burning process releases pollutants into the air, contributing to air quality issues. Some communities have started to seek alternative methods of honoring their ancestors that are less harmful to the environment.
+* [[Ancestor veneration]]
-==Related Pages==
-* [[Chinese culture]]
-* [[Ancestor worship]]
 * [[Qingming Festival]]
 * [[Hungry Ghost Festival]]
-* [[Ritual]]
+* [[Chinese folk religion]]
+* [[Hell money]]
-==See Also==
+{{Chinese culture}}
-* [[Incense]]
+{{Religion in China}}
-* [[Funeral customs]]
-* [[Chinese festivals]]
 [[Category:Chinese culture]]
+[[Category:Chinese folk religion]]
 [[Category:Funerary practices]]
-[[Category:Paper products]]
-[[Category:Religious practices]]
-{{Chinese-culture-stub}}