Sample Prayer for Jade emperor for ancestor money

Hell money, also known as joss paper, spirit money, or ancestor money, is a modernized form of joss paper printed to resemble legal tender banknotes. It is used in East Asian cultures, and more recently by some Wicca-based faiths, as a burnt offering to the deceased to resolve their assumed monetary problems in the afterlife . This practice has been observed since the late 19th century.

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The term "hell money" is largely a Western construct; in East Asian cultures, these items are simply considered another form of joss paper. The word "hell" on these notes refers to Diyu (地獄), the traditional Chinese underworld or "underworld prison," where souls are judged by the Lord of the Earthly Court, Yama (Yanluo Wang). It is believed that spirits in the afterlife need money to bribe officials or supplement offerings made during their lives to atone for sins. The concept of Diyu is often compared to purgatory in certain Christian denominations. Some theories suggest Christian missionaries introduced the word "hell" to China, leading to its adoption as the English term for the afterlife on these notes. Consequently, some notes now omit "hell" and use "heaven" or "paradise" instead, particularly those intended for Chinese deities.

Historically, early hell money denominations were 5 and 10 yuan, but after 1945, due to inflation in China, denominations soared to $10,000 or higher, reflecting the authentic currency's inflation These older notes often depicted landscapes, temples, or trains.

Modern hell money is characterized by its large denominations, ranging from $10,000 to several billions. The obverse typically features an effigy of the Jade Emperor, the Taoist monarch of heaven, and the countersignature of Yanluo, who serves as the bank's governor. The reverse usually displays an image of the "Bank of Hell". Common designs include a $10,000 note styled after the old United States Federal Reserve Note and a $5,000,000 note resembling the Chinese gold yuan. These notes often include the seal of the Bank of Hell and numerous faint "Hell Bank Note" markings on the back. They are typically sold in packs of 50 to 150.

More elaborate notes with larger denominations are also available, sometimes featuring other mythological figures like the Eight Immortals, the Buddha, Yama, or dragons instead of the Jade Emperor. Some Vietnamese notes have even depicted deceased public figures, though these are generally considered novelty items.

The ritual of burning hell money involves placing the notes as a loose bundle or folding each note specifically before burning. This practice is believed to send wealth to ancestors, help them cross into the afterlife, pay off debts, and provide a means for the living to communicate with them. It is also seen as a way to dissolve negative karma and attract good fortune. The burning ritual can be performed at any time, but traditionally, it is done on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, known as the Double Seven Festival in China. During the burning, a prayer is often recited, expressing gratitude and asking for ancestral help. A green flame during burning is considered an indication that the offering has been accepted by the Jade Emperor, with a larger flame signifying happier ancestors.

While burning hell money remains legal in China, the Ministry of Civil Affairs banned "vulgar" burned offerings, such as paper luxury villas or cars, in 2006, as part of an effort to eradicate "feudal" and superstitious behavior. Giving hell money to a living person is considered a grave insult or even a death threat in Chinese culture.

A sample prayer to the Jade Emperor for ancestor money, often recited during the burning ritual, might go as follows:

"Oh, Great Jade Emperor, sovereign of the heavens and earth, and you, my beloved ancestors, I humbly present these offerings of spirit money. May this currency reach you in the spirit realm, providing comfort, prosperity, and ease in your journey. I ask for your blessings, guidance, and protection for our family in the living world. May any debts or burdens you carry be alleviated, and may your wisdom continue to illuminate our path. We offer this with respect, gratitude, and love."