The Many Uses of joss Paper
Similar to incense papers, joss paper is used as an offering material in Chinese ancestral
worship. It is also used for the worship of Deities. Interestingly enough, Chinese people still use
the paper to this day. It is also known as incense 烟仔. But, it is not only used in the traditional
religious practice of burnt offerings. There are a few other uses for joss paper, and they can be
found in contemporary culture as well.
The most common uses of joss paper today are in the form of papier-mache items. These items
are often accompanied by incense and sweets. The ceremony itself can be part of a larger
celebration or can stand alone. In Taiwan, for instance, business owners burn spirit money in red
braziers on sidewalks, in honor of the gods and ghosts https://jinpaper.com/collections/%E6%96%8B%E8%8F%9C-%E5%93%AA%E7%9D%A3%E6%96%99%E7%83%9F%E4%BB%94. In addition to offering paper products,
the practice of burning joss paper can be performed on a regular basis, especially during the
Hungry Ghost Festival, when they make offerings to wandering spirits.
In the Chinese tradition, the practice of burning joss paper is a form of ancestor veneration.
People burn joss paper before the Ching Ming festival to appease the dead. The burning of joss
papers is believed to feed the spirit world and help businesses. However, it can also be a way to
bring good luck to businesses. For example, sales of joss paper often increase before the
hungry ghost festival, which is celebrated around the same time.
In recent years, the ritual of burning joss paper has evolved into a more mainstream form of
commemoration. It can be used as an offering for a monetary donation or to offer in exchange for
goods and services. While some people may consider it to be a waste of time, other people may
find it uncouth to burn joss paper during ancestral worship. Aside from its use in making
sacrifices, it is also used in various occasions, such as paying debts, partaking in trade, or even
to pay for a funeral.
There are countless rituals associated with joss paper, and it is not just restricted to Chinese
culture. There are numerous traditions that can be easily adapted to other cultures and religious
celebrations. In North America, people typically burn joss paper to wish good luck to ancestors
and to protect their families. The use of joss papers has also migrated to the US, Hong Kong,
and are widely available at crematoriums.
The traditional joss paper is a form of Chinese currency, and features the bank of heaven and
earth seal. In some countries, the joss paper is used during funerals, to appease the ‘Hell Gods’,
or to ask for material wealth. But in other cultures, this is a non-essential practice. Many people
believe that the burning of joss papers can be harmful to their health, but it is not.