Chinese Hell Bank Notes, often referred to as Joss Paper, are traditional spirit money used in Chinese ancestral worship and funerary rites. These notes are symbolic currency offered to deceased ancestors to provide them with wealth and comfort in the afterlife. They are typically burned as a way to transmit the offerings to the spiritual world.

Key Features of Hell Bank Notes:

1. Design:
   • Resemble modern banknotes but are often highly stylized.
   • May feature denominations in fantastical amounts, such as millions or billions, to symbolize immense wealth.
   • Include images of the Jade Emperor (a deity in Chinese mythology) or other figures associated with the underworld.
   • Often have inscriptions in Chinese characters referring to the spiritual world or “Hell Bank.”
2. Symbolic Meaning:
   • The word “hell” is derived from translations made by Christian missionaries and doesn’t carry a negative connotation in Chinese culture. In this context, it simply refers to the afterlife.
   • These notes represent care and respect for deceased family members and are believed to ease their journey in the afterlife.
3. Usage:
   • Burned during festivals such as the Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) or the Ghost Festival.
   • Used in funerals, ancestral prayers, and ceremonies to honor the dead.
   • Alongside Hell Bank Notes, other items like joss paper (gold or silver foil paper) and paper models of worldly goods (houses, cars, clothes) may also be burned.
4. Cultural Context:
   • The act of burning these items is a spiritual gesture, signifying the transfer of goods to the spirit realm.
   • It reflects the importance of filial piety and maintaining ties with ancestors in Chinese culture.

Hell Bank Notes are not legal tender but hold significant ritual and cultural value in Chinese traditions. They have also become collectible items for people interested in cultural artifacts and folk traditions.