Best Time to Burn Paper on July 15
There is a custom of burning paper on July 15, but it is divided into two ways, and the timing differs for each method.Burning paper at the tomb: If you are burning paper during the day when visiting the tomb, it should be done before 12 o'clock in the morning, preferably between 9-11 o'clock (or 7-11 o'clock), and should not exceed noon.
Burning paper at the crossroads: If you are burning paper at a crossroads on July 15, it should be done between 9 p.m. and midnight, choosing a crossroads for the ceremony. This type of paper burning is also known as "burning bundles" or "burning paper wallets".
Suggestions and Methods for Burning Bundles
Burning bundles usually involves putting spiritual money and clothes in a bundle, and any color—plain, patterned, or red—can be used as the main card, meaning that the bundle itself represents the ancestors. Before burning, there is a ritual called "offering the bundle," where offerings usually consist of three bowls of dumplings (five in each bowl) and a cup of plain tea. Other cold dishes, hot stir-fries, seasonal fruits, and pastries are also allowed. An elder will burn incense (placing four sticks in the incense burner), kneel and bow four times, representing the idea of "three for gods and four for ghosts." Then, according to the order of seniority and age, everyone bows four times to complete the ceremony.When burning, the bundle must be taken outside the front door, or to a crossroads. According to Taoist beliefs, if you are burning paper for a man, draw a cross on the ground; if you are burning paper for a woman, draw a circle on the ground first, then place the bundle in the center of the cross or circle and burn it. The cross drawn on the ground should be evenly aligned in the east, west, south, and north directions. The circle should have an opening facing the southwest direction. At the same time, some loose paper money should be left and burned outside the cross or circle, which is called "sending away external spirits." Finally, pour out the cup of plain tea used for offering, completing the ceremony.
Things to Note When Burning Paper
1. When burning paper, recite the eulogy while burning.
2. When burning paper, maintain a solemn expression, do not laugh or play around, and be respectful once you enter the cemetery.
3. Do not buy flashy printed paper money from the market; it is better to choose traditional ones.
4. Prepare matches and sticks before burning paper so that you can burn it safely without getting burned.
5. Fold the paper properly. Divide a stack of paper into seven or eight parts, folding it twice along the diagonal for easier burning.
6. Before burning paper for your relatives, light two pieces and throw them outside the circle to acknowledge the wandering souls who have no one to send money to.
7. Before burning paper, draw a circle on the ground where you are going to burn, but do not include yourself inside the circle. Leave an opening in the northwest corner so that your relatives below can come and take the money.
8. Make sure the paper is completely burned before leaving. This prevents fires and also stops the wind from blowing the paper away, which might be picked up by passing ghosts, causing dissatisfaction among your ancestors.
