Joss Paper Archive

This is a digital archive of all 5 prayer packs that were studied in this research project. Each pack was scanned thoroughly to examine its content. These images were then used to build the 5 banner collages. Below are the original scans, with English captions explaining some of the symbols that are continuously used throughout the prayer packs.

“For Guan Yin” prayer pack. Guan Yin is the commonly used Chinese translation of the Buddhist bodhisattva known today as ‘Avalokitesvara.’ She is associated with compassion.

One rendition of Guan Yin sitting on a lotus. Surrounded by the lotuses too, the flower represents purity and enlightenment. The couplets affirms good fortune with faith and belief to Guan Yin.

Another rendition of Guan Yin on the other side. Translation—Guan Yin will grant happiness and fortune. The shoes are probably an offering to her, which she will receive with the burning.

Auspicious symbols with the dragon representing strength, luck and power, and the phoenixes representing joy and peace.

thick coarse paper meant to aid the burning

A joss paper money wrapped inside the coarse paper set. “Longevity” is printed in the middle on top of the gold foil. Other characters are “wealth, success, fortune and happiness.”

Joss paper money, with couplets bringing in lots of fortune and wealth. “Longevity” printed in the middle. The deer symbolises success, as the pronunciation for deer in Mandarin is “lù”, the same as wealth.

Joss paper silver money, of less value than the gold foils.

Auspicious symbols in auspicious colours - the bats represent happiness and good fortune, a pun as the pronunciation of bat, “fú”, is the same. The border is decorated with the character of double happiness and the eternal knot. The 4 double peaches (in green) symbolise longevity (“shò”), with various characters of the same meaning also wishing for wealth (“lù”)and success. The 3 men most likely symbolise these auspicious symbols as “fú”, “lù”, “shò”.

A joss paper wishing wealth and longevity. Before burning, one would write their name on the left hand side and the specific date that they are praying on the write. The couplets wish wealth and happiness all year round, wherever and whenever. Auspicious symbols of lucky Chinese coins can be seen at the bottom, along with 2 dragons.

A section of a large joss chart. The top circle is the “Pa Kua” trigram of Taoist cosmology. The bottom circle illustrates the “Pa Kua” with an ancient Chinese time and ordinal system. Auspicious animals of the bat and deer, representing good fortune, wealth and success. Writing on the left hand side secures significant people are always present to help guide one’s life in its path. Writing at the bottom details the process. The date of praying should be written, as denoted by the “year” “month” and “day” characters.

Main top row characters of “Tao”, fortune, gold, longevity and wealth. Each figure probably represents the various deities or celestial beings, next to signs that prevent misfortunes. Bottom row denotes the Taoist cosmology. Part of the “Pa Kua” can be seen.

Big character of “fú” (fortune), above 3 men who represent the general desires of good fortune, success, wealth and longevity (“fú”, “lù”, “shò”). Figure next to them with the tiger is most likely Guan Yu, a guardian deity.

Read from right to left, wishing for significant people to guide one’s life into the right path and securing a peaceful and safe life. Picture below is framed with 2 phoenixes, 4 dragons holding prayer banners next to what is most likely celestial beings.

“For Di Zhu” prayer pack. This deity protects the home and other spaces of work or residence.

Regular joss paper in gold.

Regular joss paper in silver.

Another section of large yellow chart. Writing on the right wishes for great wealth and fortune with a long and happy life.

Writing on yellow joss paper a chant aiding in the receiving of wealth.

“Pa Kua” chart, writings to bring peace and wealth with the help of deities and celestial beings.

Hell bank notes wrapped in coarse burning paper.

Hell bank notes, direct currency for the deceased and deities.

Prayers to secure peace on land and property and to also show respect to the Di Zhu deity who guard the lands. Oxen are significant in seeing prosperity and fertility on lands to bring wealth.

“For Tai Sui” prayer pack. Tai Sui is a term for the stars directly opposite Jupiter during its roughly 12-year orbital cycle. Personified as deities, they are important features of Chinese astrology, Taoism and Chinese Buddhism who ensure peace and prosperity.

Joss paper gold money, also with “longevity” printed in the middle along with characters of happiness, good fortune and wealth.

Joss paper that folds out to be a piece of clothing with a long dragon down the middle and two small ones on its sleeves. Main characters are “fú” denoting fortune. Others are wealth, security, and smooth success.

Boots most likely as shoe offerings for the deities to wear.

Joss paper money in gold and a prayer wrapped up in this pack’s coarse burning paper.

Joss paper silver money, of less value than the gold foils.

Auspicious colour of red - happiness, success and good fortune.

The circle is an auspicious shape, symbolising oneness and fulfilment. As seen in Taoism. the shape is the unity of Ying and Yang.

4 prayers ornate with phoenixes. The side strip depicts the “Pa Kua” with writings on peacefully bringing prosperity with the help of celestial beings.