JOSS PAPER Meaning and
Definition
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Joss paper refers to a form of special paper that is traditionally used in various East Asian cultures, particularly in Chinese and Vietnamese customs. This type of paper holds significant cultural and religious meaning and is commonly burnt as an offering to deceased ancestors or spirits during religious rituals and ceremonies.
Also known as ghost money or spirit money, joss paper is usually intricately designed and printed to resemble traditional banknotes. It comes in various denominations and sizes, resembling specific currencies from different eras. The paper is typically made from bamboo or rice and is dyed in vibrant colors, such as gold or yellow.
Joss paper is believed to provide comfort and assistance to the spirits and ancestors in the afterlife. It is often burned in small metal containers or incense burners during special occasions, such as the Chinese Ghost Festival or the Qingming Festival, as a way to honor and remember departed loved ones.
Burning joss paper is considered a symbolic act of sending material goods to the spirits, ensuring their well-being and prosperity in the afterlife. It is believed that the smoke generated from burning the paper carries the prayers and wishes of the living to the spirit realm. Joss paper is an integral part of traditional Chinese and Vietnamese religious practices, serving as a means of maintaining ancestral connections and honoring family heritage.
Common Misspellings for JOSS PAPER
- hoss paper
- noss paper
- moss paper
- koss paper
- ioss paper
- uoss paper
- jiss paper
- jkss paper
- jlss paper
- jpss paper
- j0ss paper
- j9ss paper
- joas paper
- jozs paper
- joxs paper
- jods paper
- joes paper
- jows paper
- josa paper
- josz paper
Etymology of JOSS PAPER
The word "Joss paper" comes from the term "joss", which is a Western corruption of the Portuguese word "deus" meaning god or deity. In Chinese communities, "joss" was then used to refer to various religious objects and offerings, specifically those used in ancestral worship and traditional rituals. "Paper" simply refers to the material that these offerings are made of. Therefore, "Joss paper" refers to the special paper products that are burned as offerings to ancestors or deities in Chinese folk religion and other East Asian cultures.
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