Why do people burn paper at crossroads during Qingming Festival?

The reason why paper is burned at the crossroads during the Qingming Festival:

The crossroads are the intersection of yin and yang. It is said that the crossroads are not only the place where yang people cross, but also the crossroads at night. It is also the place that leads to the underworld, so people who pay homage to their loved ones go to the crossroads to light the underworld notes in the hope that ghosts will lead them to the underworld and bring them to their deceased relatives.

But from the perspective of traditional folk customs, burning paper money at crossroads requires a special practice by a mage or special rituals. In addition to burning paper money at crossroads, there are many other things at crossroads, including folk traditions. Buddhist rituals, sending substitutes, sending ghosts and gods, etc.

Why do people burn paper at crossroads? Because crossroads are connected in all directions, and no matter how far away their deceased relatives are, they can still receive them from their living relatives

Walking paper money. China's thousands of years of history have continued like this. Every Chinese New Year, Qingming Festival, and October 1st of the lunar calendar are all festivals to commemorate deceased relatives. Those who are close to their hometown will burn them on the graves, and those who are far away will choose the crossroads. Burning the mouth is also a kind of mourning for the deceased relatives.

In metaphysics, it is believed that when burning clothes bags and paper money for ancestors, you should try to choose the side of the intersection or the side of the three-way intersection. This is because it is convenient for ghosts and ghosts to rush around and pack the clothes as quickly as possible. Delivered to the ancestors, it also means that ghosts and ghosts go their separate ways and do not get entangled with the paper burner. It can also prevent other evil ghosts from harassing the paper burner.

In fact, it is very simple. At the crossroads, ideas extend in all directions. The ancients believed that people also have a place to live after death. But no matter where you live after death, the crossroads are accessible. There is also a saying that the crossroads are the only way for the postman from the underworld to pass, and that the postman from the underworld can take away the money you gave to your deceased relatives.

There is a song to explain the choice of burning paper at the crossroads: the crossroads are connected in all directions, and the southeast, northwest and northwest roads are connected. All kinds of dead people passed by here, and it was easy to collect paper money. As a human being, you should not offend others, and you should be respected by all passers-by. Respect from the southeast, northwest, and there will be no disaster in my life.

What are the taboos and taboos of burning paper at crossroads?:

Burning paper refers to paper money that is burned to honor ghosts and gods. It is also called "burning paper money". In some places called Huabao, the purpose of burning paper money can be roughly divided into three types:

1. Burn it to gods and Buddhas. In addition to temples, you can choose a clean outdoor place. It is not suitable to be in a dark and humid place such as a back alley. or near a toilet. In addition, some people say that writing the names of devotees on paper is actually very unnecessary. The original purpose of offering incense and burning paper is to cultivate the heart of the Lord through external etiquette. It is not to do business with Bodhisattva, and it is also afraid of Bodhisattva. If you don't receive the "gift", or you make a mistake, it's better not to burn it than to burn it. ?

2. There are two situations for burning to ancestors and relatives. One is at a crossroads near your home. Before burning, you can write the names of your ancestors on the Bingdanhui, but do not write the names of your descendants or yourself. If you want to write it, it is generally referred to as descendants; the other is to burn it in front of the ancestor's grave or next to the spiritual place according to the rules.

3. Burn it to ghosts and ghosts. This is what many people will do on the first and fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year. It is actually to save the souls of the dead they don’t know. It is a meritorious deed just like charity in the world. Of course, it cannot be done in this world. If you cook at home, don’t you take the initiative to invite “friends” from outside to be your guests? The more common one is next to the crossroads. This is evolved from the ancient people doing rituals next to the water mouth. The road is water, and the crossroad is the water mouth. It is a place where ghosts gather, and it is also a place where many ghosts like to gather. Some masters who are highly skilled and bold will specifically look for "fierce ghost places" to burn paper and perform rituals in these places, but these places have no fixed addresses. No matter what, pay attention to fire prevention and traffic safety, and be sure not to state your residence, name and treasure number to avoid causing trouble and disaster.