On the occasion of the Midyear Festival, every household is busy preparing various offerings to remember their ancestors. In addition to the traditional burning of paper money, there are some things that are essential in traditional culture, and they must be burned to the ancestors. What else do you need to burn? Let's think about it, in this era of rapid technological development, our ancestors also needed some modern daily necessities in another world? Today we will talk about how to make your sacrificial list more colorful, so that the ancestors can also enjoy the convenience of modern life. The following author will introduce to you what modern paper offerings are best to burn for ancestors in addition to burning paper during the Midyear Festival?
1. The ritual steps before burning paper offerings to ancestors
Burning paper offerings is a traditional ritual that involves specific steps to show respect and remembrance for the deceased. Therefore, it is necessary to mention the names of the deceased during the burning of the offerings, and it is believed that they will be able to receive these thoughts. The following is a summary of the ritual of burning the offerings in six main steps, written as follows:
The first is to make offerings, including the preparation of five offerings, five grains, five fruits, and three livestock (pork, fish, and chickens) to show respect for the ancestors. The second is to light incense as the beginning of the ceremony. The third is to bow down and bow three times and bow nine times to express piety. Fourth, participants need to recite the sacrificial text and briefly explain the reason for the sacrifice. The fifth is to offer flowers, fruits and wine (or tea), in this link, the drink is sprinkled on the ground, and the name and title of the ancestors are silently recited in the heart to show respect. Sixth, the ceremony ends in the ceremony.
2. What kind of paper offerings are best to burn for ancestors?
1. Burn paper clothes and shoes - let the ancestors wear fashionable without dropping the line. Of course it is essential paper clothes and shoes. Who says Hades can't be fashionable? We can prepare the latest styles of fashion for our ancestors, so that they can also be at the forefront of trends in that world. Imagine your grandfather wearing a designer suit and limited-edition sneakers, and it's not too stylish! And don't forget that there's also the changing seasons, so in the summer you can pack a cool short-sleeved shirt and sandals, and in the winter you should stock up on a puffer jacket and snow boots to make sure they're looking their best at all times. It is important to note that the number of offerings should preferably be even, such as two, four, six, eight, etc., because even numbers are yin.
2. Burn a paper house - improve the living environment of ancestors. In modern society, the issue of housing has always been the focus of attention. Presumably, our ancestors would have wanted to live comfortably in another world. As a result, savvy people began to make all kinds of paper houses, from ancient palace mansions to modern villa apartments. Imagine how our ancestors would have felt extremely relieved and proud when they received these luxury paper houses, after all, their children and grandchildren were so caring.
3. Burn a paper car - let the ancestors travel without worry. Next up is the means of transportation. Now that we have provided our ancestors with fashionable clothing, how can we do without means of transportation? A limousine is definitely a good choice. You can choose the latest electric car or even a supercar, so they can enjoy the convenience of getting around anytime, anywhere. Imagine your grandmother driving a red Ferrari through the streets of the underworld.
4. Burn some paper furniture - make your ancestors' homes comfortable. Of course, clothes and a car are not enough, the home should also be furnished warmly and comfortably. This is where paper furniture comes in handy. A set of high-end sofa combinations, with solid wood dining tables and chairs, plus soft and comfortable beds, is simply a five-star enjoyment. In order to make the ancestors' home life more emotional, you can also send some decorations, such as vases, murals, carpets, and so on. In this way, their home will be filled with warmth and love.
5. Burn some paper appliances and mobile phones - let the ancestors feel the intelligent life. In this information age, how can you do without electronic products? Give them an up-to-date smartphone, computers, flat-screen TVs, and even some high-tech products such as drones and virtual reality devices, all of which are made into delicate paper molds, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and even smart robots, all of which can be made into paper products through exquisite craftsmanship. Wouldn't it be warmer if our ancestors could play the latest video game in that world, or stay in touch with their families through video calls in their dreams? In this way, our ancestors can enjoy the modern conveniences of life in another world, and they no longer have to worry about household chores! Add it to an HDTV and a smart home system. Not only can they keep up to date with what's going on in the world, but when you open a video chat in your dream and see your grandparents on the other side of the screen smiling at you, isn't that a blessing?
6. Burn a paper nanny - let the ancestors enjoy intimate service. Finally, to ensure that the ancestors could live a truly carefree life, an all-around paper nanny is definitely a good idea. Not only does the nanny help with cleaning, cooking, laundry, but also health care and psychological counseling. With her company, I believe that the life of the ancestors will become more comfortable and pleasant.
Still, one might ask, "Do these things really work?" In fact, there is a kind of emotional sustenance and cultural inheritance behind this. When we burn these paper products, we not only hope to make our ancestors live better in some way, but also express our deep nostalgia and respect for them.
Finally, it has to be mentioned that with the increase of environmental awareness, more and more people have begun to advocate green sacrifices. For example, the use of degradable materials to make paper products, or the use of electronic sacrifices, not only preserves traditional customs, but also reduces environmental pollution. This is also the direction we should think about and promote.
All in all, on such a special day as the Midyear Festival, in addition to the traditional paper-burning ceremony, we can express our thoughts and love for our ancestors through more creativity. Whether it is fashionable clothes, luxury cars, or intelligent home equipment, it is a kind of good wishes for them. I hope that every ancestor can continue to have a happy life in another world, and I hope that this heart will strengthen the bond between you. May every mid-year festival become a bridge between the past and the future, so that our emotions can be deepened in this heritage.