Joss paper

Joss paper is paper that is used in certain religious and cultural ceremonies in parts of Asia, especially China. It is also called "ghost money" or "spirit money". People use joss paper to offer or give money as a gift to their ancestors, gods or other spiritual beings.

Here's how it works:

Imagine you have a grandpa who passed away a few years ago. You still love and miss him even though he is no longer with you. In some cultures, it is believed that your grandpa is still around you as a spirit, watching over you and protecting you. So, to show your respect, love and gratitude to him, you want to give him something.

But wait, how can you give something to someone who is already gone? That's where joss paper comes in. You can use it to make special paper objects that resemble real things like money, cars, houses, or even iPhones! And just like you can use real money to buy things you like, your grandpa can use ghost money in his ghostly world to buy things he needs and wants.

So, you fold the joss paper into a little square, shape it into a coin, and then put it in a special container or burn it as an offering. By giving him the "ghost money," you are showing love and respect to your grandpa in a way that he can appreciate even though he is not physically present.

That's the ELI5 version of what joss paper is!