Introduction: In Taiwan, burning Joss paper (also known as spirit money or ghost money) is an essential communication bridge and offering ritual in folk beliefs. However, stepping into a traditional supply store, the dazzling array of gold and silver paper can leave beginners confused: “Which one do I buy for the Earth God?” “What happens if I accidentally offer ancestor silver paper to a deity?”
Based on cultural insights from Wikipedia on Joss paper and Duke University’s Cultural Guide, this article provides the most comprehensive guide to Joss paper types. From visual classification and distinguishing between ancestors and gods to the correct burning sequence and eco-friendly taboos, we’ll help you understand the rules of worship without making any faux pas!
Chapter 1: What Are the Types of Joss Paper? Visual Guide & Classification
The world of Joss paper is actually very organized. The most fundamental way to classify it is by looking at “who” you are offering it to.
1.1 Joss Paper for Deities (Gold Foil)
Joss paper for deities usually features bright yellow paper with shiny gold foil, representing nobility, light, and divinity.
- Shoujin (Longevity Gold): The most universal Joss paper! Printed with the “Three Immortals” (Wealth, Offspring, Longevity), it symbolizes prayers for a long life and prosperity. Essential for almost all deities and regular bi-monthly worship.
- Guijin / Sifangjin (Four-Way Gold): Printed with a square pattern, symbolizing peace and protection in all directions. Called “Guijin” in Northern Taiwan and “Sifangjin” in the Central/South. Highly suitable for the Earth God (Tu Di Gong) or Foundation Owner (Di Ji Zhu).
- Fujin (Earth God Gold): Smaller in size with many sheets per pack, printed with the character “Fu” (Blessing). This is the Earth God’s favorite, symbolizing his protective blessings.
- Tianjin (Heaven Gold): Printed with “Kou Da En Guang” (Gratitude for Divine Grace), specifically used for worshipping Heaven, the Jade Emperor, or fulfilling a major vow.
- Dabaishoujin (Great Longevity Gold): Larger size with exquisite patterns. Used to worship high-ranking deities (like Guanyin, Guan Yu, Mazu) to show the highest level of respect.
- Jinbaiqian (Gold-White Money): Yellow and white paper with mixed foil. A special type used to reward the heavenly soldiers (subordinate spirits of deities) or to worship at Yin (ghost) temples.
1.2 Joss Paper for Ancestors/Ghosts (Silver Foil)
- Yinzhi (Silver Paper): Paper is usually white or pale yellow with silver foil. Divided into Large and Small Silver, it acts as currency for ancestors in the underworld. Essential for Tomb Sweeping Day (Qingming) and Ghost Festival.
- Kuqian (Treasury Money): Smaller size, massive quantity, printed with “Ku” (Treasury). Symbolizes stocking up the “underworld bank” for ancestors.
- Wangshengqian (Rebirth Money): Printed with lotus patterns and Buddhist mantras, primarily used in salvation rituals to guide the deceased to the Western Pure Land.
1.3 Quick Identification Checklist
🔍 4 Steps to Quickly Identify Joss Paper
- Look at the Foil Color: 🟡 Gold = For Deities ｜ ⚪ Silver = For Ancestors/Ghosts
- Look at the Paper Size: 📏 Large = Dabaishoujin/Large Silver ｜ 📏 Medium = Shoujin/Guijin ｜ 📏 Small = Fujin/Kuqian
- Look at the Print: Three Immortals = Shoujin ｜ ‘Fu’ (Blessing) character = Fujin ｜ Lotus = Rebirth Money
- Look at the Label: The most direct method. When in doubt, just ask the shop owner!
Chapter 2: Joss Paper Combos for Specific Deities
When worshipping different deities, you prepare different “combo meals” of Joss paper:
2.1 Deity Combo Packages
- [5-Color Gold] Highest Blessing: Heaven Gold + Great Longevity Gold + Shoujin + Guijin + Fujin. Exclusively for the Jade Emperor (Tian Gong) or the Three Great Emperor-Officials.
- [4-Color Gold] Solemn Worship: Great Longevity Gold + Shoujin + Guijin + Fujin. Suitable for high-ranking deities like Guanyin Bodhisattva, Mazu, and Guan Yu.
- [3-Color Gold] Most Common: Shoujin + Guijin + Fujin. The most universal combo for daily worship, general temple deities, and the 1st/15th of the lunar month.
2.2 Target-Specific Joss Paper
- Earth God (Tu Di Gong): “Guijin” and “Fujin” are must-haves. For important festivals, prepare the 3-Color Gold.
- Foundation Owner (Di Ji Zhu): Similar to the Earth God, primarily using “Guijin” and “Fujin”.
- Ancestors: Basic combo is “Large Silver + Small Silver + Kuqian”. Essential for holidays and death anniversaries.
- Wandering Spirits (Good Brothers): Prepare “Gold-White Money” and “Small Silver” during the Ghost Month.
Chapter 3: Deities vs. Ancestors: Never Mix Them Up!
This is the most common mistake for beginners! Imagine taking “Underworld Bank” notes to offer to the Jade Emperor, or burning “Gold” to wandering ghosts who cannot accept it. This is considered highly disrespectful in folk culture.
| Comparison | Deity Joss Paper (Gods) | Ancestor Joss Paper (Ghosts) |
|---|---|---|
| Foil Color | 🟡 Gold (Symbolizes nobility, light) | ⚪ Silver (Symbolizes the underworld) |
| Paper Color | Bright Yellow | White or Pale Yellow |
| Common Types | Shoujin, Guijin, Fujin, Heaven Gold | Large/Small Silver, Treasury Money |
| Mindset | Respect, Praying for Blessings, Gratitude | Filial Piety, Offering, Remembrance |
| Consequence of Mixing | Disrespectful to gods, useless to ancestors. Severely impacts your prayers! | |
Chapter 4: The Correct Steps and Order for Burning Joss Paper
Once you have the right Joss paper, burning it follows a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Follow the principle of “From Largest to Smallest, From Most Noble to Lowest”:
4.1 The Complete Burning Process
- Offer Incense & Pray: Light 3 incense sticks, report your name, address, and prayer to the deity, and thank them for their protection.
- Wait for the Deity to Enjoy: Wait until the incense has burned one-third or halfway down, signifying the deity has consumed the offerings. Then, hold the Joss paper with both hands, bow three times, and prepare to burn it.
- Burn in Order: Go to the burner (furnace). Fold the Joss paper in half (symbolizing it has been activated and preventing other spirits from snatching it). Start burning from the largest denomination (Heaven Gold or Shoujin), followed by Guijin, and finally Fujin.
- Complete the Ritual: Ensure all paper has burned to ashes. Return to the altar, clasp your hands to thank the deity, and pack up your food offerings.
4.2 Burning Taboos (Absolutely Do Not Do)
- Do Not Poke or Stir: Do not use a stick to poke or stir the burning paper. This symbolizes tearing up the deity’s money.
- Do Not Step on It: If Joss paper falls on the ground, pick it up respectfully. Absolutely do not step on it.
- Do Not Throw Whole Stacks: Fold and burn the paper sheet by sheet or in small stacks to ensure complete burning and to show your sincerity.
Chapter 5: Modern Eco-Friendly Trends
With changing times, the air pollution and carbon emissions from burning traditional Joss paper have gained attention. Eco-friendly Joss paper has emerged as a new choice for modern worship.
5.1 Features of Eco-Friendly Joss Paper
- Natural Materials: Made from pure bamboo pulp or biodegradable eco-paper. Burns with less smoke, less ash, and no pungent smell.
- Non-Toxic Foil: Uses high-quality or non-toxic eco-foil, reducing heavy metal pollution.
- Quality over Quantity: Eco-paper is often thinner but of high quality, emphasizing “sincerity over volume.”
5.2 Temple Eco-Initiatives
Large temples like Xingtian Temple and Longshan Temple have implemented “Donation in lieu of Gold” (donating the money you would spend on paper to charity) or provide centralized burning services. Deities value the sincerity of the believer, not the volume of paper burned. Choosing eco-friendly paper respects both the divine and the Earth.
Chapter 6: Recommended Worship Accessories
To do a good job, an artisan needs the best tools. Besides choosing the right Joss paper, using solemn ritual implements and high-quality incense makes your prayer process more complete:
Pure Copper Wealth Offering Cup Set
Essential for worshipping deities and the Earth God! Pure copper prevents oxidation. Used to hold pure water or raw rice, it looks solemn and symbolizes solid wealth.
View Product Details
High-Quality Ceramic Incense Burner
Top choice for home worship and magnetic field purification. Classic and elegant, perfect for burning sandalwood or agarwood coils to carry your prayers upward.
View Product DetailsChapter 7: FAQ about Joss Paper
Shoujin is printed with the ‘Three Immortals’ symbolizing peace and longevity, making it the most universal deity paper. Guijin (Sifangjin) features square patterns symbolizing peace in all directions, suitable for all deities, and especially common for the Earth God and Foundation Owner (Di Ji Zhu).
The standard setup is “Guijin” paired with “Fujin” (Earth God Gold). Fujin is small and abundant, which is the Earth God’s favorite. For important festivals, prepare the “Three-Color Gold Combo” which includes Shoujin.
The easiest way is the foil color: Gold represents the sacred (Deities); Silver represents the underworld (Ancestors/Ghosts). Also, paper color (bright yellow vs. white) and printed patterns (auspicious symbols vs. lotuses/treasury symbols) are key identifiers.
Burn deity paper starting from the largest/most noble. The sequence is usually: Tianjin (Heaven Gold) ➔ Dabaishoujin (Great Longevity Gold) ➔ Shoujin ➔ Guijin (Sifangjin) ➔ Fujin. This represents proper etiquette and respect for hierarchy.
Yes. As long as you store it properly in a dry, clean place to prevent dampness and damage, you can use it next time. Just be careful not to mix it with random clutter to show respect.
Conclusion
The vast variety of Joss paper reflects the Taiwanese people’s awe of heaven and earth, as well as their filial piety towards ancestors. By mastering the golden rule of “Gold for Gods, Silver for Ancestors,” and understanding the correct burning order, you can easily become a worship expert.
While seeking divine protection, we also encourage everyone to support eco-friendly practices by choosing high-quality eco-Joss paper. When the sincerity is there, blessings naturally follow. May this guide ensure that every prayer you make reaches the heavens accurately!