How to Make Ritual Money at Home
Creating ritual money, also known as “joss paper” or “ghost money,” is a traditional practice in many cultures, particularly in Chinese and Vietnamese communities. It’s believed that burning these papers during festivals or ceremonies can bring prosperity and good luck to the deceased. If you’re interested in making your own ritual money, here’s a detailed guide to help you get started.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Red paper (for the main body of the money)
- Gold or silver paper (for the edges and decorations)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pen or marker
- Optional: Decorative items like ribbons, beads, or fabric
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own ritual money:
- Measure and Cut the Paper
Start by measuring and cutting the red paper into a rectangular shape. The size can vary, but a common size is approximately 10 inches by 5 inches.
- Make the Edges
Take the gold or silver paper and cut it into strips that are slightly narrower than the red paper. Glue the strips to the edges of the red paper to create a border.
- Design the Money
Using a pen or marker, draw the design of the money on the red paper. Common designs include Chinese characters for “money” or “fortune,” as well as symbols like coins or banknotes.
- Decorate
Optional: Add decorative items like ribbons, beads, or fabric to make the ritual money more visually appealing.
- Make the Coins
Take small pieces of red paper and fold them into a coin shape. Glue the edges to secure them. Repeat this process until you have enough coins to represent the amount of money you want to burn.
- Attach the Coins
Glue the coins to the front of the red paper, arranging them in a row or pattern of your choice.
- Final Touches
Check for any loose edges or decorations and make any necessary adjustments. Once you’re satisfied with the appearance of your ritual money, it’s ready to be burned.
How to Burn Ritual Money
Burning ritual money is an important step in the process. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Choose a Safe Location
Find a safe, open area where you can burn the ritual money without causing any harm to yourself or others. A backyard or a designated burning area is ideal.
- Prepare the Fire
Build a small fire using dry leaves, paper, or kindling. Make sure the fire is burning well before adding the ritual money.
- Burn the Money
Place the ritual money on the fire and let it burn completely. It’s believed that the smoke carries the essence of the money to the spirits.
- Offerings
While the money is burning, you can also offer other items like incense, tea, or fruit to the spirits.
Common Designs and Meanings
Here’s a table of some common designs and their meanings:
