Joss Paper - Traditional

Traditional

Joss paper is traditionally made from coarse bamboo paper, which feels handmade with many variances and imperfections, although rice paper is also commonly used. Traditional joss is cut into individual squares or rectangles. Depending on the region, Joss paper may be decorated with seals, stamps, pieces of contrasting paper, engraved designs or other motifs.

Different types of spirit money are given to distinct categories of spirits. The three main types of spirit money are cash (also known as copper), silver and gold. Cash monies are given to newly deceased spirits and spirits of the unknown. Gold spirit money (jin) is given to both the deceased and higher gods such as the Jade Emperor. Silver spirit money (yin) is given exclusively to ancestral spirits as well as spirits of local deities. River money is given to unrelated ghosts. These distinctions between the three categories of spirit money must be followed precisely to prevent confusion or insult of the spirits.

Jiujin (九金, lit. Nine gold): large paper squares with a golden metallic rectangle and printed with angled shaped and characters, burned for spiritual army officials and close relatives.
Kanjin (刈金, lit. Cut gold): large paper squares with a golden metallic rectangle, burned for higher level gods and spirits or any elder ancestors.
Xiaoyin (小銀, lit. Lesser silver): small paper squares with a silver metallic rectangle, burned for close relatives, ancestors, and the earth gods and spirits.
Jingyi (經衣, lit. Threads and clothes): A type of joss paper with items needed by the dead in "daily life", such as clothes, shoes, cups, and scissors printed on the surface.

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