In Case It Rains in Heaven

Traditionally, the Chinese burn Joss paper (ghost money) for their ancestors so that they can enjoy their afterlives. Over the years, houses, cars and gold bars made out of paper were also burnt in the weeks following a person’s death. However, in recent times, as consumer culture takes hold of the Chinese culture, Joss paper products have become more elaborate, reflecting the desires of those who are alive. In an increasingly westernized society, designer handbags, laptop computers, iPods and fastfood made out of paper are often burnt for the recently deceased.