Paper figures for spirits are an important part of Chinese culture with deep religious and philosophical roots. They are created and used in various rituals related to the veneration of ancestors, spirits, and celestial beings, reflecting Chinese belief in the afterlife and the connection between the world of the living and the world of the spirits. These figures are usually made of paper, silk and other natural materials, and have a variety of shapes: from human figures to pets and decorative elements. In this article, we look at why the Chinese make paper figurines for spirits, how they relate to Chinese traditions and rituals, and what significance these figurines have in Chinese culture.
1. Tradition of veneration of spirits and ancestors in China
1.1 Spiritual Peace in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, there is a deep belief that there is an inextricable link between the world of the living and the world of spirits. The Chinese believe that ancestors and spirits can influence people's lives, and that it is important to maintain harmonious relations with them. This belief took root in ancient Chinese religions such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, and remained an important element of Chinese spiritual life for millennia.
- The most important part of these beliefs is the veneration of ancestors, which helps to maintain order and harmony in life and brings good luck and well-being. One way to communicate with ancestors and spirits is to use paper figures that act as mediators between worlds.
1.2 Rituals and Rites Associated with Paper Figurines
One of the most common rituals to use paper figurines is Qingming (ancestral veneration festival), as well as All Souls Day and other important festivals related to ancestral veneration. During these rites, the Chinese make and burn paper figurines to send them to the afterlife and provide ancestral souls with comfort and protection in the afterlife.
- Figurines can be made in a variety of forms, from human figures such as ancestral spirits to animals, yard gods and vehicles (such as paper cars or household items).
2. Why paper figurines?
2.1 Use of paper as an accessible and symbolic material
Paper is a traditional and symbolic material used to make figurines. First, the paper is an available material that can easily be converted into any shape. Secondly, in Chinese culture, paper is associated with a transition between worlds: its lightness and flexibility symbolize transformation and spiritual connection.
- Burning paper figures is a ritual that represents the transfer of energy and material benefits to the spiritual world. Burning symbolizes the sending of figures to the world of spirits, which allows you to provide the souls of ancestors or spirits with the necessary resources in the afterlife.
2.2 Paper Figure Masters
Making paper figures in China is not just a craft, but also an art passed on from master to student. The craftsmen who create these figures use special paper folding and cutting techniques that allow you to create details with accuracy and delicacy.
- Figurines may be handmade or machine-made, but in both cases they retain their symbolic value. Craftsmen make figurines with respect for tradition and often decorate them with precious elements such as gold foil and bright paints to make them look like real luxury items.
3. Symbolism of paper figures
3.1 Ancestral Spirits and Protection
Paper figurines play a key role in rituals associated with honoring ancestors. These figurines symbolize souls and spirits that the Chinese believe can be pacified and protected. Often, figurines depict ancestors in their earthly form so that they can be easily recognized and honored.
- In Qingming and other holidays, the Chinese burn paper figurines to help ancestral souls find their way into the afterlife, get food and clothes. Paper money and material objects are also burned so that spiritual creatures can enjoy them in the otherworldly world.
3.2 Stimulation of luck and well-being
Paper figurines can also symbolize luck and longevity. For example, paper figurines of dragons or phoenix symbolize happiness and success in life. These figurines are often used to attract welfare and harmony in homes and families.
- It is important to note that figures can be of different colors and shapes, each of which has its own symbolism: red is happiness, gold is wealth, white is purity and protection.
4. Modern use of paper figures
4.1 Innovations and New Forms of Figurines
With the development of technology, paper figures continue to change and adapt. In recent decades, new kinds of figurines have appeared on the market, including paper machines, credits and luxury goods such as paper smartphones or paper televisions that represent modern desires and needs.
- Modern Chinese have begun actively ordering and creating figurines that reflect modern elements of their lives and desired well-being, such as gift boxes, gadgets and financial investments, reflecting the impact of globalization and modern trends.
4.2 Paper figures in cultural events
In addition to rituals, paper figures are often used in Chinese cultural events and exhibitions, representing an element of folk art. In such events, figures can be displayed as a symbol of Chinese traditions and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Paper figures for spirits are an important part of Chinese culture and rituals associated with honoring ancestors and spirits. These figurines symbolize the connection between worlds, the transfer of goods and spiritual communication. Despite its simplicity, each paper figure carries a deep meaning and influences the harmony of life and success in the lives of the Chinese.
1. Tradition of veneration of spirits and ancestors in China
1.1 Spiritual Peace in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, there is a deep belief that there is an inextricable link between the world of the living and the world of spirits. The Chinese believe that ancestors and spirits can influence people's lives, and that it is important to maintain harmonious relations with them. This belief took root in ancient Chinese religions such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, and remained an important element of Chinese spiritual life for millennia.
- The most important part of these beliefs is the veneration of ancestors, which helps to maintain order and harmony in life and brings good luck and well-being. One way to communicate with ancestors and spirits is to use paper figures that act as mediators between worlds.
1.2 Rituals and Rites Associated with Paper Figurines
One of the most common rituals to use paper figurines is Qingming (ancestral veneration festival), as well as All Souls Day and other important festivals related to ancestral veneration. During these rites, the Chinese make and burn paper figurines to send them to the afterlife and provide ancestral souls with comfort and protection in the afterlife.
- Figurines can be made in a variety of forms, from human figures such as ancestral spirits to animals, yard gods and vehicles (such as paper cars or household items).
2. Why paper figurines?
2.1 Use of paper as an accessible and symbolic material
Paper is a traditional and symbolic material used to make figurines. First, the paper is an available material that can easily be converted into any shape. Secondly, in Chinese culture, paper is associated with a transition between worlds: its lightness and flexibility symbolize transformation and spiritual connection.
- Burning paper figures is a ritual that represents the transfer of energy and material benefits to the spiritual world. Burning symbolizes the sending of figures to the world of spirits, which allows you to provide the souls of ancestors or spirits with the necessary resources in the afterlife.
2.2 Paper Figure Masters
Making paper figures in China is not just a craft, but also an art passed on from master to student. The craftsmen who create these figures use special paper folding and cutting techniques that allow you to create details with accuracy and delicacy.
- Figurines may be handmade or machine-made, but in both cases they retain their symbolic value. Craftsmen make figurines with respect for tradition and often decorate them with precious elements such as gold foil and bright paints to make them look like real luxury items.
3. Symbolism of paper figures
3.1 Ancestral Spirits and Protection
Paper figurines play a key role in rituals associated with honoring ancestors. These figurines symbolize souls and spirits that the Chinese believe can be pacified and protected. Often, figurines depict ancestors in their earthly form so that they can be easily recognized and honored.
- In Qingming and other holidays, the Chinese burn paper figurines to help ancestral souls find their way into the afterlife, get food and clothes. Paper money and material objects are also burned so that spiritual creatures can enjoy them in the otherworldly world.
3.2 Stimulation of luck and well-being
Paper figurines can also symbolize luck and longevity. For example, paper figurines of dragons or phoenix symbolize happiness and success in life. These figurines are often used to attract welfare and harmony in homes and families.
- It is important to note that figures can be of different colors and shapes, each of which has its own symbolism: red is happiness, gold is wealth, white is purity and protection.
4. Modern use of paper figures
4.1 Innovations and New Forms of Figurines
With the development of technology, paper figures continue to change and adapt. In recent decades, new kinds of figurines have appeared on the market, including paper machines, credits and luxury goods such as paper smartphones or paper televisions that represent modern desires and needs.
- Modern Chinese have begun actively ordering and creating figurines that reflect modern elements of their lives and desired well-being, such as gift boxes, gadgets and financial investments, reflecting the impact of globalization and modern trends.
4.2 Paper figures in cultural events
In addition to rituals, paper figures are often used in Chinese cultural events and exhibitions, representing an element of folk art. In such events, figures can be displayed as a symbol of Chinese traditions and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Paper figures for spirits are an important part of Chinese culture and rituals associated with honoring ancestors and spirits. These figurines symbolize the connection between worlds, the transfer of goods and spiritual communication. Despite its simplicity, each paper figure carries a deep meaning and influences the harmony of life and success in the lives of the Chinese.