Ancestor money has different names including ghost money, spirit money, Joss paper, hell notes (mistranslated), heaven notes.
The image of the Jade Emperor is commonly seen on ancestor money. The history behind this is that the Jade Emperor is a Higher God in the Taoist pantheon and is considered the deity over all money on earth. The Jade Emperor (玉皇) is one of Chinese mythology’s most important and popular deities. He is considered to be the ruler of heaven, one of the highest ranking gods, and the very first of the Chinese emperors.
The purpose of ancestor money is to clear our paths towards balance and well being. The premise is that we inherit lifetimes of debt and other karmic lessons through our lineage, therefore, it’s important that we counter the debts and karma by offering ancestor money. For example, if your family tree is rife with addictions, caring for your ancestors with money, food and a position of honour in your home will ultimately lessen the stronghold of addiction in your family tree. This is done by burning notes in a fireproof vessel. There are various affirmations, prayers and meditations that can be said during this rite.
This burning ritual at your ancestral altar provides the ancestors with what they need on the “other side”. The greater the denomination of bills you get, the more expensive it will be and the more debt you can clear.
Honour the Ancestors and they will bless you!