A burning ceremony is a symbolic way of letting go of mistakes and failures of the past and bringing a new start into one's life. For thousands of years the use of Joss Papers has been an integral part of folk Taoist and feng shui Rituals. These rituals were used to send messages and help to the spirit world and in return receive blessings from that realm. Joss papers are ornate printed papers of various sizes. They are brightly colored and have special spiritual symbols printed on them.
Different papers have different uses.
Some are printed with images that insure longevity. Some look like money and are burned for prosperity. Some are shaped like boats to carry our prayers to the spirit world. It is a bundle of brightly colored papers wrapped with a depiction of the 3 immortals of Taoism. Lu is dressed in the winged hat and belted robe of a high official and caries a jade scepter indicating ministerial rank.