Description
I sell this in the same shop as the banknotes, and I still have to explain the difference at least once a week.
Hell money is rectangular, it has a number in the corner and a bank name across the top, and people burn it for ancestors all year. This is not that. This sheet is round, cut with a scalloped edge, and it has no number anywhere on it — because there is nothing to denominate. What it carries is text: the Rebirth Mantra, the Chinese transliteration of the dharani, set in rings that spiral inward and close on a small center mark. On most temple stock a red band is laid across the face. Ours keeps that.
You use it at a funeral. Under the deceased at encoffining in some regional customs, at the wake, on each of the seven-day markers through the forty-ninth day, and scattered along the route to the grave. A sheet on the death anniversary is common too. What it is not for is the family altar — for that you want ancestor money for altar offerings or traditional Chinese joss paper, the rectangular notes.
A hundred sheets is deliberate. One a day covers the forty-nine days with room left over for the graveside and the first year. The paper is a plain uncoated yellow stock that catches quickly and leaves a fine, light ash. Each sheet is 4.7 inches (12 cm) across; the pack arrives as a flat stack in a clear sleeve, so store it flat and dry.
Two colorways are available, standard yellow and a rose-purple that has become common in recent years. The color is a manufacturing choice, not a doctrinal one — the classical texts say nothing about it, and I would rather tell you that than invent a meaning and sell it to you.
If you are ordering for a funeral this week, take the three-pack. One for the coffin, one for the wake table, one for the graveside. Not legal tender, no cash value, no promise attached.
Frequently asked
Is this the same as hell money?
No. Hell money is rectangular, printed with a denomination and a bank name, and burned for ancestors year-round. This is round, printed with the Rebirth Mantra, and used in the funeral period.
How many sheets should I burn at a time?
Custom varies by family. One to three sheets per session is common. Sheets are burned whole and are not torn.
Can I burn it for someone who died years ago?
You can, and some families do on the death anniversary. The traditional use is the funeral period itself.
What do I do with the ash?
Collect it rather than sweeping it into a drain. Bury it, or work it into the soil at the base of a plant.
Where can I burn it?
Check local rules first. Many US and UK municipalities require a metal container, and open burning on public land is usually prohibited.
Nate S. (verified owner) –
Each packet is secured with an inscribed gold band, which gives it a sense of authenticity. You get a good amount for what you pay for.
Nina F. (verified owner) –
Great price for the amount you get. The design looks traditional, not cartoonish like some of the cheaper packs out there.
Teresa N. (verified owner) –
I use this money as an offering to my ancestors. I used to live near Chinatown in San Francisco, and there were these little shops that sold all kinds of ancestor ritual paper for burnt offerings. Fast delivery and well packaged.
Blake P. (verified owner) –
You get a good amount for what you pay for. My ancestors are happy receiving this money.
Nate B. (verified owner) –
The best pro is the price. The ashes come out fine and light, exactly how joss paper should burn. Fast delivery and well packaged.
Kyle F. (verified owner) –
Burns very well, excellent quality. This is definitely a unique curiosity that is very nicely executed in my experience, nice item. My order came 1 day early.
Peter B. (verified owner) –
The denomination numbers came out sharp, nothing smudged or faded. This is definitely a unique curiosity that is very nicely executed in my experience, nice item.
Carmen C. (verified owner) –
Do something nice for your ancestors and send them some joss money. The quality feels reliable and consistent from sheet to sheet, which is important when purchasing ceremonial items.
Irene P. –
Blessed by esteemed monks, the set includes a mystical Eastern talisman for added spiritual protection and blessings. My order came 1 day early.
Blake L. (verified owner) –
This is a great all-in-one set that you can burn for your loved ones who have passed. Cheaper price, inferior product. The money arrived fast & just as pictured
Erin P. (verified owner) –
The paper feels thin in the right way, just like the joss paper I remember from home. I burn them every day for my ancestors.
Keisha S. (verified owner) –
Set is wonderful nice variety Took 8 days to get here which felt slow, but everything arrived in good shape.
Casey M. (verified owner) –
Do something nice for your ancestors and send them some joss money. Took 5 days to get here which felt slow, but everything arrived in good shape.
Riley N. (verified owner) –
Each packet is secured with an inscribed gold band, which gives it a sense of authenticity. The stack comes with plenty of sheets, and the paper burns clean and easy.
Adam Y. (verified owner) –
Just be careful you don’t have any glue on your fingers when you handle the gold and silver parts. The paper is a bit thinner than I expected, but it burns just fine.
Miles W. (verified owner) –
Set is wonderful nice variety I was having financial problems but since I started burning ancestor money I don’t have those problems anymore or if I do it’s resolved quickly.
Elena P. (verified owner) –
Being able to keep this tradition going means a lot when you live far from home. The artwork looks elegant, and the paper itself is much nicer than I expected, thicker, smooth, and not flimsy at all.
Yvette K. –
Feels cheap and quality is not good Your intentions are everything but this paper does not burn the same way regular joss paper money burns.
Kyle G. (verified owner) –
I love the bright colors and the burn is even Great price for the amount you get.
Cole R. (verified owner) –
I purchased this Ancestor Money for my altar and I was very pleased with the quality. If you’re doing regular ancestor altar work or burning ceremonies, you’ll go through these quickly and the cost adds up fast. Fast delivery and well packaged.
Paul R. (verified owner) –
The paper quality was there the first time, but not the second time. Perfect for honoring our loved ones during funerals, memorials, or anniversaries, this ancestor money brings cultural recognition and spiritual care to your rituals.
Keisha Q. (verified owner) –
Can’t wait to use these for tomb sweeping day. beautiful quality. The pack lasted me through the whole festival with some left over.
Lisa V. (verified owner) –
This is definitely a unique curiosity that is very nicely executed in my experience, nice item. An excellent price for what you’re getting. My order came 1 day early.
Reese M. (verified owner) –
The 100-sheet count provides excellent value, and the overall quality makes it a dependable choice. Used for a theater production and there was plenty of money for the set.
Max S. –
Even prettier in person, the gold really catches the light on the altar. The money arrived fast & just as pictured
Derek T. (verified owner) –
You get a good amount for what you pay for. The only critique, I have is that the there are two main colors, pink and green, and the colors on some of the prints are faded.
Ethan B. (verified owner) –
This is one of those products that is simply useful to have on hand when needed, especially for those who observe traditions that incorporate joss paper offerings. I do think that if you divide the cost out by the quantity received that they may be a bit high priced.
Hugo P. (verified owner) –
This homage gift paper money is very beautifully decorated. The money arrived fast & just as pictured
Teresa S. (verified owner) –
Used for a theater production and there was plenty of money for the set. The money arrived fast & just as pictured
Trent A. (verified owner) –
A frame photo of the percuer. No curling or flickering out halfway, it burns the way real joss paper does. Fast delivery and well packaged.
Maya W. (verified owner) –
Just be careful you don’t have any glue on your fingers when you handle the gold and silver parts. I burned these for my grandparents during Ching Ming and it felt right.
Caleb O. (verified owner) –
The sheets are easy to handle and have a good overall presentation that reflects the care put into the product. A solid find for ancestor work.