Imagine that you could send a love package to your deceased relatives, or even some pocket money. This is the fundamental idea behind a very ancient Chinese tradition - burning paper money (often referred to as "ghost money" or "ghost money"). What on earth is being burned? People burn some special paper, which looks like money - the paper imitates the appearance of ancient banknotes, and sometimes even has huge denominations printed on it (think of billions or trillions!) Paper like modern banknotes. You may also see: Gold and silver paper ingots (just like small paper gold bars). Daily necessities made of paper: clothes, houses, cars, mobile phones, and even paper credit cards! Imagine it as sending a "family affection package". Why burn it? Core Belief (Popular Version) The core concept behind this approach is both practical and emotionally charged: Life continues after death: Many Chinese traditions believe that after death, life will continue in another world (such as heaven, the netherworld or another space). Just as we need money to live here, our ancestors might have needed it over there too. 2. Supporting relatives: By burning specially made money and gifts, living family members are sending daily necessities to their deceased grandparents, parents or other relatives. This is like saying: "We haven't forgotten you." Send something to make your life there better. * 3. Happy ancestors = the good fortune they bring us: This is the key point about "protection". It is believed that if your ancestors lived comfortably, happily and richly in the spiritual world, they would be more capable of taking care of you. Think about guardian angels: Happy ancestors are believed to protect their living family members, helping them stay safe and healthy, and perhaps even bringing more good luck (such as in career, relationships, health, exams, etc.). Clearing obstacles: People believe that they might have some "influence" with the gods in the heavens, gently pushing things in a positive direction for you or protecting you from bad luck. Mutual care: By living family members' continuous care for ancestors (sending them money), that deep bond of love and respect is maintained. In return, the ancestors felt valued and were more willing to offer a helping hand wherever they could. This is a cycle of mutual assistance among family members that transcends life and death. 4. Expressing respect and love: Ultimately, this is a powerful way to remember ancestors, honor the family bloodline, and express deep respect and continuous love. The act of burning itself is a ritual, sending one's intentions and emotions along with the smoke and ashes. When and where is it usually done? Usually, it is burned in a safe place outdoors in a metal container (such as an iron bucket). Important days include: The Qingming Festival (spring) : visiting graves, tidying up the cemetery, offering food and burning paper money. The Zhongyuan Festival/Ghost Festival (Summer) : People believe that at this time, souls will return to the human world. Burning paper money is to soothe and care for the wandering souls of the deceased, especially one's own ancestors. The Chongyang Festival (autumn) : A day to respect the elderly, often associated with the remembrance of ancestors. The anniversary of death: Worship and burning paper money are often carried out on the anniversary of a loved one's passing. Before major events: such as before exams or starting a new company, seek additional support and blessings from ancestors. Is this for oneself to get rich in the human world? Not exactly. Although people also hope to receive some blessings, such as peace, health, family harmony and smoothness, the core significance of this lies in respecting ancestors and ensuring that they live well there. It is believed that taking good care of your family - whether alive or deceased - can bring harmony and blessings to all those concerned, including the living. Westerners can be compared to (somewhat similar) : Taking flowers to visit the graves: Both are acts of expressing remembrance, care and respect. Placing coins on military tombstones: It symbolizes commemoration and respect. Pray to the saints and intercede on their behalf: Pray to the saints in heaven and ask God for help, which is similar to asking ancestors (in the spiritual world) to bring blessings/protection. Leave milk biscuits for Santa Claus? This metaphor is somewhat humorous, but it has similarities in the point of "leaving something for an invisible object". Key points to understand: Rooted in love and family: This is not just superstition; It is closely linked to family bonds, respecting elders and expressing lasting love. Not always literally: Many modern participants view it as a symbolic tradition, a way to express emotions and culture, rather than fully believing that what is burned has truly turned into cash in heaven. For some others, this belief might be very true. Keeping pace with The Times: Concerns over pollution have led some people to reduce burning or use environmentally friendly paper. There are also new ways emerging, such as drifting offerings in the river or using "e-paper money" online. In simple terms: Burning paper money in China is like sending a family affection package to grandparents in heaven. This is a way of expression: "Grandpa and Grandma, we love you. We miss you. Send something to support you." Please protect us and bring us some good luck. It keeps the connection between the living and the deceased alive and honors the strong bond between past and present families.