So when I was a kid, we'd often burn "gold ingots" made of paper for the ancestors. The idea is that anything you burn goes down to the Netherworld. We don't do it much any more.
My dad recently visited my grandfather's grave in China. These were the offerings: (Our relatives took these pictures.)
(No, you don't burn the food.)
Well, you see that box of Mahjongg tiles there? That's a complete set of paper Mahjongg tiles, meant for burning, so my grandfather can play Mahjongg in the afterlife! :) And you see that small red box in the upper-right corner? That's a box of paper "cigarettes", of my grandfather's favorite brand, so he can take a drag in the afterlife! (No, he didn't die of lung cancer. :P)
The Mahjongg tiles being delivered:
Comments (3)
If there is one Chinese thing about me, it's my superstitiousness. You need to post a warning if you put those photos up. You'll spread bad luck.
Posted by echan | November 15, 2005
why is that bad luck?
I'd be worried about the grass around the grave. . .I guess it looks pretty wet. I'm sure he doesn't need grass. At least not that kind.
Posted by SSR | November 15, 2005
Yeah, I don't get it either. Am I not supposed to put up pictures of graves?
Posted by ToastyKen | November 15, 2005