The Cold Clothes Festival at the beginning of October is approaching, so let’s talk about paper money!
Paper money, also known as ghost money or joss paper, is a sacrificial offering for worshiping deities and spirits. Although the origin of paper money is relatively recent, once accepted by the public, it has become a typical ‘bright object’ in funerals and sacrificial rites, enduring for thousands of years without decline.
The use of paper money includes burying it in the ground, hanging it on trees, throwing it into water, burning it in fire, and sending it skyward. Among these methods, burial has never ceased since the earliest practice of using currency as grave goods.
In Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji’s “Beiming Xing · Xie Lu,” there is a line that states: “On Cold Food Day, every family sends paper money; the hawks build nests and carry them up into the trees.” This shows that hanging them on trees was also a common practice. Another practice involves throwing copper coins and paper money into water during mourning rituals: “When a loved one dies, their hair disheveled and holding bottles or jars, weep by the water’s edge and throw copper coins and paper money into the water to fetch back water for bathing the corpse; otherwise neighbors will think it’s unfilial.” The term “grave dwelling” refers to places where wandering souls and wild spirits reside. To comfort these souls, whether in religious sites or folk rituals, there is a custom of using paper money.
Whether during large Taoist ceremonies for guiding souls or daily offerings made on behalf of believers, it is common to burn paper money and ingots. However, in Taoist belief systems, there are specific deities responsible for managing the burned paper money and ingots with a group of ‘spiritual laborers’ assisting in transportation. These ‘spiritual laborers’ take orders from Xuandian (the Mystical Altar) to perform their tasks; although they can be considered ‘immortals,’ they hold lower ranks compared to those living in virtuous lands who accumulate merits through diligent cultivation.
At this point, many people mistakenly equate these ‘spiritual laborers’ who take orders from Xuandian with legendary ‘ghost soldiers’ that seem powerful yet have never been seen before or refer to them as ‘troops’ under Taoist temples or priests. While they are similar in nature, they differ; these laborers who transport valuable items like ingots generally only take orders from the revered deity Chenghuang (City God).
So how did these ‘spiritual laborers’ come about?
According to Taoist scriptures, these ‘spiritual laborers’ were brave during their lifetimes and strong after death. They were once heroes capable of lifting heavy weights; now they serve as transporters for ghostly affairs pushing vast amounts of wealth. In other words, these ‘spiritual laborers,’ who were once valiant heroes known for their strength and virtuous deeds while alive—after a century pass away—become overseen by deities governing the underworld based on their charisma during life; thus they are invited to serve as officials in the underworld. Consequently, judges, generals, marshals, messengers, jailers among others are often filled by righteous individuals with good character dispatched by Chenghuang.
Among these ‘spiritual laborers,’ familiar names such as Zhao Da, Qian Er, Zhang San, Li Si represent ghostly officials who work under Chenghuang’s command at Xuandian performing transportation duties. Naturally,’ spiritual laborers’ pledge allegiance to Lord Chenghuang not only assisting in transporting paper money and ingots during soul guiding but also play significant roles when offering substitutes or repaying debts from previous lives. Therefore when we casually mention names like “Zhang San” or “Li Si,” they might very well be ghostly officials loyal to Lord Chenghuang. Since everyone originates from Daoism where respecting Dao and valuing virtue is our duty; thus we should try not to use nicknames casually but instead show respect towards others which naturally brings blessings.
Speaking of matters related to ‘spiritual laborers’ and ‘troops,’ one cannot overlook Taoist rituals involving divine generals. After all during Taoist soul guiding processes where ‘troops’ and ‘laborers’ are frequently utilized; some local temples conduct rituals dedicated specifically to divine generals primarily aimed at empowering them for tasks ahead. Before transporting paper money naturally requires offerings dedicated to divine generals which here refers specifically to honoring ‘spiritual laborers.’
Since these ‘spiritual laborers’ are generally still cultivating themselves rather than having transcended into sanctity during ritual processes often involve three offerings along with sacrificial wine etcetera. “Set up tables with sweet drinks inviting spiritual workers; ensure no differences among names calling out.” Thus many temples along with believers when burning paper money & ingots will prepare sacrificial wine alongside offerings—those knowledgeable primarily aim at rewarding ‘spiritual workers,’ while most people focus on ancestral worship instead. One might ponder: should we not offer some rewards?
The “Rituals for Spiritual Laborers” indicates that although realms may differ fundamentally there remains no distinction between human beings & spirits pursuing similar goals alike—one must recognize those bearing burdens here share similarities with those serving roles below ground level too! During Taoist ceremonies incense burning & reciting celestial scriptures occurs while respectfully inviting divine officials onto altars presenting all sealed bundles containing both monetary notes & gold ingots before delivering them unto deceased souls whilst ensuring other hungry ghosts refrain from competing over what’s offered.
As for how disposal occurs depends entirely upon needs—for instance burning offerings meant either ancestors departed souls without memorials etc., according written documents composed by priests delivered unto respective officials responding accordingly.
by- Wang Daozhang