The study of the offerings in Hong Kong : Joss paper ingots, Joss candles and Joss sticks

Abstract

Giving offerings has a long history in Chinese culture. Over the years, under the influence of local traditions, Confucianist and Taoist, as well as the introduction of foreign Buddhism, offerings have been changing in their materials and ways of usage.

"Joss paper ingots, Joss candles and Joss sticks" is how Hong Kong people name the most common offerings made for rituals. The offerings play a crucial role in various situations connected to worshipping gods, ancestors and ghosts in vernacular religious practices. However, these practices were overlooked in academic research and literature.

This thesis examines how religious practices and especially offerings are involved in Hong Kong people's daily lives, regular and occasional ceremonies and rituals. The research is based on fieldwork conducted by the author to investigate the specific features and situations of offerings and worship in Hong Kong and Macau.