Georgia Tech’s papermaking museum documents a Chinese woodblock used to print ceremonial paper money.
Documented context#
The museum identifies the block in the Dard Hunter Collection and relates it to spirit money, also called joss paper. Its account describes ritual burning associated with remembrance of the dead. One documented object and account cannot establish that every Chinese household follows the practice or that every city street is filled with fires on one festival.
Questions for responsible reading#
When researching an offering, identify the place, community and occasion. Distinguish the object’s material and printing method from beliefs about what an offering accomplishes. Ask permission before photographing a private ceremony. A museum’s historical account should not be used as a current local rule about where burning is permitted.
Scope and source#
These questions are editorial guidance. This guide is not a personal field report, an interview or a current event schedule.