In San Francisco’s Chinatown, a unique store caters to the spiritual practices of Chinese immigrants by offering a wide array of paper replicas, also known as “Zhizha 纸扎” in Chinese. These items are intended to provide comfort to the deceased in the afterlife, serving as offerings that can be “sent” to them through a traditional ritual.
The practice may seem unusual to those from different cultural backgrounds, but it holds significance for many Chinese immigrants who adhere to these traditions. At Buddha Exquisite Corp. on Jackson Street, Vincent Fung, the second-generation owner of the family business, oversees the largest store specializing in Zhizha in Chinatown. These paper replicas can take various forms, ranging from miniature houses, sports cars, designer handbags, fine wines, and even the latest technology, such as iPads and Apple Watches. While the cost of these items can vary, the paper versions are considerably more affordable than their real counterparts.
The purpose of these replicas is to offer them to deceased loved ones living in the underworld, a concept closely tied to Taoism—an ancient Chinese philosophy emphasizing “spiritual immortality,” where the spirit merges with the universe after death. Fung explained, “We burn these things for our ancestors. We have these items that they need, just like [in] the life here.”
Traditionally, Chinese people would burn “underworld money” to honor the deceased, but contemporary options include a wide range of modern items and different currencies, including counterfeit Chinese yuan or ersatz U.S. dollars.
Ghost Month, which falls in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, usually in August, holds special significance. It is believed that during this time, restless souls and spirits from the underworld visit the realm of the living. To prepare for these visits, individuals stack various forms of “currency,” as explained by Fung, signifying the importance of money in these rituals.
In a contemporary twist, Chinatown has chosen to reimagine the traditional festival. An upcoming event, the Ghost King parade, is planned to boost tourism and support local businesses in the area.
Buddha Exquisite Corp. has been a fixture in Chinatown for over two decades, and Fung remains optimistic that these traditions will persist as many Chinese individuals continue to hold these beliefs. He noted, “Some people believe it; they’ll stick with it. There’s not much preaching going on.” The shop plays an essential role in supporting these cultural practices, ensuring they endure for future generations.
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