One of the most recognisable parts of a Taoist funeral is the burning of paper offerings. To an onlooker it can seem elaborate, but each item carries a simple, tender meaning: to provide for the loved one in the life ahead.
Joss paper, sometimes called spirit money, is burned so the deceased has means in the next world. The rising smoke is understood to carry the offering onward.
Larger paper effigies are prepared and burned so the departed wants for nothing. These commonly include a paper house or mansion, a car, gold, clothing and everyday comforts. In our package, the paper products include a funeral lantern, guardian figures, an 8ft paper house, a paper car and a clothing chest.
The offerings are burned at points through the rites and especially at the close, in a metal cage for safety. The specific offerings follow your family’s dialect customs, and we prepare and arrange them all as part of the ceremony.
Understanding the meaning behind the offerings often brings families comfort. It is, at heart, a final act of care.
They are burned so the deceased is provided for in the next life. Joss paper serves as spirit money, and paper effigies such as a house, car and gold provide comfort and means in the afterlife.
Common offerings include joss paper (spirit money) and paper effigies such as a house or mansion, a car, gold, clothing and everyday items, along with a funeral lantern and guardian figures.
Yes. Our Taoist package includes the paper products, a funeral lantern, guardian figures, an 8ft paper house, a paper car and a clothing chest, prepared and burned during the rites.
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