The concept of “ghost money,” also known as joss paper, might sound like something out of a fantasy novel. But for many cultures around the world, it’s a real and important part of religious and ancestral practices.
Traditionally, it takes the form of brightly colored paper replicas of currency, ingots, and other valuables. People burn these during rituals in the belief that the smoke carries the offerings to the spirit world.
Where ghost money is used?
The practice of burning ghost money is most prevalent in East and Southeast Asia, particularly in Chinese folk religion, Vietnamese traditions, and certain forms of Buddhism. Some parts of Europe and Latin America are home to it as well.
Why is ghost money burned?
The reasons for burning this vary depending on the culture. Here are some common themes:
- Ancestral veneration: Many traditions involve offering this to deceased ancestors. People do this to ensure comfort and prosperity in the afterlife.
- Appeasement of spirits: People sometimes burn offerings in hopes of appeasing wandering spirits or ghosts believed to be causing misfortune.
- Symbolic offerings: This can also represent other forms of wealth or possessions a spirit might desire, like clothes, houses, or even cars.
The Ritual of Burning
The burning of this is often a part of elaborate rituals during festivals like the Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) or the Hungry Ghost Festival. The specific procedures can differ but generally involve burning the offerings in designated containers or braziers at temples, gravesites, or outdoor altars.
Ghost Money in the Modern World
Societies modernize, but the tradition endures. The designs of this can even reflect modern trends, with depictions of things like credit cards or smartphones alongside traditional gold ingots.
Ghost money is a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of culture, religion, and the afterlife. It’s a reminder of the enduring belief in the connection between the living and the dead.
