Burning joss paper, often called spirit money, serves as a heartfelt bridge between the living and those who came before. For many families across East and Southeast Asia, setting alight these delicate sheets—shaped like currency, houses, or even miniature electronics—translates into sending wealth and comfort straight to the ancestral realm. It’s a gesture rooted in filial piety, ensuring that deceased relatives lack for nothing and, in turn, bestow blessings back on the household.

Picture a Lunar New Year morning: incense coils spiral in temples, lanterns glow, and thin wisps of smoke rise from paper offerings. That smoke isn’t just pretty decoration. It carries prayers and symbolic “banknotes” to ancestors’ spirits, allowing them to purchase whatever they need—food, clothing, even modern gadgets—on the other side. This tangibility eases anxieties about the unknown and shapes a sense of continuity, as though yesterday’s wisdom and protection remain woven into today’s bustling lives.

During Qingming or Ghost Month—July on the lunar calendar—communities gather at family graves, sweeping stones and printing fresh joss paper stacks. In 2025, eco-conscious groups have begun offering plantable joss paper embedded with seeds, a clever twist that sprinkles new life rather than ash. That blend of tradition and innovation shows how rituals adapt, proving they’re not relics gathering dust but living customs that evolve with the times.

Burning spirit money also keeps misfortune at bay. When offerings are made, it’s like giving ancestors “their daily allowance,” so they won’t feel neglected and stir up bad luck. It’s a bit like tipping your doorman—small kindnesses reap big rewards. At its heart, this practice isn’t about superstition alone. It’s a vibrant expression of gratitude, a way to honor roots and say, “Your story matters, here and beyond.”

In bustling metropolises or quiet village shrines, those flickering flames speak volumes—tying present and past together, ensuring that family ties remain as steadfast as ever.