Guide to the Annual Memorial Ritual Set

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Respectful Ancestral Offering

Honour your loved ones with a meaningful ceremony using the full Annual Memorial Ritual Set. This guide walks you through the proper order for preparing and placing each item, rooted in traditional Chinese customs.

Step 1: Prepare the Altar or Offering Space

Choose a clean, respectful area—indoors or outdoors—where you can safely burn offerings. Place a table or heat-resistant surface as your altar. If possible, display ancestral tablets or photos.

Step 2: Light the Ritual Candles

Begin by lighting two ritual candles—one on the left and one on the right of your altar.

  • Red candles – for celebration and good fortune
  • White candles – for solemn remembrance
  • Gold candles – for wealth and blessings

The candlelight symbolizes guidance for your ancestors’ spirits.

Step 3: Burn the Incense Sticks

Light the incense sticks and place them upright in an incense holder, urn, or bowl of rice or sand.

  • Use 3 incense sticks per ancestor or family group.
  • While the incense burns, offer a moment of silent prayer or speak aloud to your ancestors with sincerity.

Step 4: Lay Out the Joss Paper Offerings

Place the different types of joss paper in front of the altar, separating them by type:

  • Square Joss Paper with Foil – Represents wealth (gold or silver ingots)
  • Sandpaper Joss Paper – Used to clear debts or cleanse energy in the spirit world
  • Plain Long Joss Paper – Versatile; may represent daily necessities or clothing

Keep these papers in neat stacks until the burning phase.

Step 5: Offer the Hell Banknotes

Add the Hell Banknotes to the layout. These are symbolic currency to support your ancestors in the afterlife.

  • Place them beside or on top of the joss paper stacks.
  • You may fold or crumple them slightly to symbolize active use.

Step 6: Begin the Burning Ritual

In a safe, ventilated area (or metal burning container), begin burning the offerings in order:

  1. Plain Long Joss Paper
  2. Sandpaper Joss Paper
  3. Square Foil Joss Paper
  4. Hell Banknotes

Burn each stack with intention, pausing between types if desired to offer silent thoughts or words.

Step 7: Close the Ceremony Respectfully

Once the paper and incense have burned down, give a final bow or silent moment of gratitude. Let candles burn out naturally if safe, or snuff them gently.

Safety Reminder

Always follow local fire safety regulations. Use a fireproof container, and never leave burning items unattended.