The modern PRC truly is all over the place. Mao Zedong adorns the money and can be found saluting away in quite a few statues across the country and atheism remains the de facto state religion of the country, yet many people cling to remarkably pharaonic ideas about sending fake money and other items on to their dead loved ones for use in the afterlife, albeit via fire instead of via pyramid. There is something quite beautiful about the little bonfires, which can often be seen burning at major intersections at night. (Something about the intersections makes them good locations for forwarding things on to the underworld apparently.) This is from a friend's fire for a newly deceased family member, may they rest in peace.
Update (11/12/2015): A friend recently posted an interesting alternative perspective on the meaning of burning joss paper and other items after a loved one's death that can be read in full here.
Update (11/12/2015): A friend recently posted an interesting alternative perspective on the meaning of burning joss paper and other items after a loved one's death that can be read in full here.
