What is Votive Paper – Hang Ma?
Based on the popular belief that the dead need gold, silver, and other necessities of life, many rituals include objects made of paper and representing gifts sent to supply these needs. On the death anniversary of a family member, small bars or notes representing gold, silver, and money are placed on the ancestral altar along with other “everyday objects”.
How is Votive Paper Sent to the Deads?
These ritual objects are made of paper, often stuck on a bamboo frame. They represent the belongings of the dead person: mosquito nets, blankets, clothes, plates and dishes, betel mortars, furniture, and even servants, dogs, and cats. The paper money and objects are later burned, sending them off to the kingdom of shades. Rice liquor is sprinkled on the smoking ashes, and the tip of the carrying pole used to transport these items to the dead is heated in the fire.
After burning the votive paper, the incense (nhang) burning on the altar is extinguished. This ceremony is particularly important on the first death anniversary (tiểu tường), at the end of the mourning period (đại tường) and for the Vu Lan Ceremony.
