Joss Paper (Ancestor Money)

Joss Paper, also known as Ancestor Money or Spirit Money, is a traditional form of ceremonial currency used in various spiritual and cultural practices, particularly in East Asian and Southeast Asian traditions. Crafted from lightweight paper and often intricately decorated, Joss Paper serves as a symbolic offering to honor ancestors, deities, and spirits, and to provide for their needs in the afterlife. Key Features: Symbolic Currency: Joss Paper is symbolic currency that holds significant spiritual meaning in various cultural and religious contexts. While it resembles conventional banknotes in appearance, its value lies not in its monetary worth but in its symbolic significance as a sacred offering to the spirit world. Offerings to Ancestors: In many cultures, Joss Paper is burned as an offering to ancestors during religious ceremonies, festivals, and ancestral rites. It is believed that by burning Joss Paper, the symbolic wealth and material comforts depicted on the paper are tr