Friday, June 11, 2010

The Bizarre: You've got to be Jossing me!

I live within walking distance of a typical open-air market where you can: eat a fish head curry, buy fresh fruits and meats, and stock up on your Hell notes... er.... say what?


Joss paper, aka, "Hell notes" (or Spirit money), are sheets of paper made made from coarse Bamboo or Rice paper to resemble currency. These notes, as well as various papier mâché items, are burned in traditional Chinese deity or ancestor worship ceremonies. Additionally, Joss paper is also burned during Chinese funeral ceremonies to ensure the spirit of a loved one is sent into the afterlife with sufficient money to purchase all they desire, as well as papier mâché replicas of favourite items they enjoyed while they were living.


Kinda makes you feel bad for all those people who were burning effigies of George W. Bush a few years back doesn't it?....



Here is my local Joss Paper and Stick Store:



Hell notes are known for their ridiclous denominations.


The bills feature the image of the Jade Emperor on the front and the Hell bank "branch" on the back


Who doesn't want to take their La-Z-Boy & a six-pack with them?


I've been asking since I was 10! Please tell me I don't have to die to get a Schwinn Cruiser.


What? No black?


A house!... and with a picket fence to boot!


Because, even though it's hot, nobody wants to be naked in hell.



When they're making him out of paper.... I'm all over it.




Burning with Love,

Tess




1 comment:

Kat said...

Oh... I want one... The Pretty please....