What Does Offering Real Money at an Altar Mean? You Won’t Believe the True Meaning Behind This Act!

What is the Significance of Offering Real Money?

In life, money plays an important role. It is not just a medium of exchange for trade but also represents the energy and wealth of a household. As such, some people choose to offer real money, along with burning joss paper, on their ancestral altars.

The belief is that offering real money is a way to invite blessings from deities and ancestors for financial prosperity. These banknotes are believed to absorb the auspicious energy and are then kept in wallets or purses, bringing good luck and foretelling monetary gains for the family. Many consider these banknotes, having been offered to the divine, as lucky charms for their businesses.

Is it Advisable to Offer Real Money on the Ancestral Altar?

From a spiritual perspective, real money is not considered an appropriate offering during ancestral worship. Placing real money on the altar could be seen as disrespectful, especially when offering to Buddha. Therefore, it is recommended to offer vegetarian food, fruits, tea, and water instead of money or joss paper at home altars or in temples.

Moreover, real money has passed through numerous hands and places, potentially carrying bacteria and unpleasant odors. Placing such money on the altar may negatively affect the energy field of the worship space and even cause suspicion and discord within the family if the money goes missing.

Old banknotes could be contaminated with bacteria and absorb negative energy and yin qi due to dirt and dust. Placing them on the altar can disrupt the positive energy field of the worship area.

Precautions to Take When Offering Real Money to Avoid Misfortune

Contrary to popular belief, real money is not considered an offering, so it is not advisable to use it as such. However, if one wishes to do so for psychological comfort, it is recommended to use new and clean banknotes, avoiding those that are moldy, damp, or defaced.

Avoid placing real money close to the incense burner to prevent it from being damaged or causing a fire if the burning incense accidentally falls on it, which could lead to a significant spiritual taboo and loss of blessings.

It is also not advisable to use banknotes that are no longer in circulation as offerings.

Each individual’s beliefs may vary, so it is essential to carefully consider the practice of offering real money on the ancestral altar. Especially during festive seasons when many people visit temples and ancestral halls, it is easy to mistake someone else’s money for your own, which can lead to spiritual complications. Therefore, from a feng shui perspective, it is recommended not to offer real money to seek blessings and good fortune.

This information is for reference only and is subject to individual interpretation.