Joss paper意思

"Joss paper" is a term often used in English to refer to a type of paper that is traditionally burned in many East Asian cultures as a means of paying respect to ancestors or deities, or as a way to transfer wealth or provisions to the spirit world. It is also known as "spirit money" or "ghost money."

The paper is typically made from bamboo or rice paper and is printed with Chinese characters that resemble traditional Chinese banknotes or other forms of currency. The value of the "joss paper" is believed to be transferred to the spirits or ancestors, providing them with wealth, clothing, or other necessities in the afterlife.

Burning joss paper is a common practice in Chinese folk religion, Taoism, and other East Asian religions, and is often performed during festivals, funerals, or other important ceremonies. The practice is believed to date back to at least the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) in China.

It's important to note that the term "joss paper" is an Anglicized term and may not be used in all East Asian languages. In Chinese, it is known as "冥紙" (míngzhǐ), which literally means "spirit paper." In other languages, it may have different names.