Chinese burial money

An overview of the traditional practice of using burial money in Chinese culture.

Chinese burial money, also known as spirit money or joss paper, is a form of ritual offering used in traditional Chinese culture to honor deceased ancestors and ensure their comfort and prosperity in the afterlife. This practice is deeply rooted in Chinese folk religion, Taoism, and Buddhism.

History

The tradition of using burial money dates back to ancient China, where it was believed that the deceased required material goods in the afterlife. The earliest forms of burial money were actual coins and valuable items buried with the dead. Over time, this evolved into the use of symbolic paper money, which is burned as an offering.

Types of Burial Money

There are several types of burial money, each serving a specific purpose:

• Joss paper: Thin sheets of paper made to resemble money, often decorated with gold or silver foil. These are burned during funerals and ancestral worship ceremonies.
• Hell bank notes: Elaborate paper notes that resemble currency, often featuring images of the Jade Emperor or other deities. These are intended to provide the deceased with spending money in the afterlife.
• Paper effigies: In addition to money, paper models of goods such as houses, cars, and clothing are also burned to provide for the deceased's needs.

Cultural Significance

The burning of burial money is a way for the living to show respect and filial piety to their ancestors. It is believed that by providing for the deceased, the living can ensure their own prosperity and protection from malevolent spirits. This practice is especially prominent during the Qingming Festival and the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Modern Practices

While the traditional practice of burning burial money continues, modern adaptations have emerged. Some families now use electronic transfers or symbolic offerings instead of burning paper money, due to environmental concerns and changing cultural attitudes.

Criticism and Controversy

The practice of burning burial money has faced criticism for its environmental impact, as the burning process releases pollutants into the air. Additionally, some argue that the commercialization of burial money has led to excessive spending on elaborate offerings.

Also see

• Ancestor worship
• Chinese folk religion
• Qingming Festival
• Hungry Ghost Festival
• Taoism