Zhizha

It has been reported to face a gradual loss of craftsmanship due to related environmental concerns and weakened religious belief.

[1] Young women in ancient China were offered as brides every year to a so called “River God” in exchange for less frequent floods.

[3] Effigies, which were often produced purposefully to resemble humans, took varied forms in different periods of time, from couch grass, terracotta, and eventually paper.

Metal contents analysis of ash samples shows that joss paper burning emits a lot of toxic components causing health risks.

There is a significant amount of heavy metals in the dust fume and bottom ash, e.g., aluminium, iron, manganese, copper, lead, zinc and cadmium.

[4][5] Another study found that burning gold and silver joss papers during festivals may contribute to Parkinson's disease among the elderly and slow child development.

During festivals which perform the Taoist ritual, “Dajiao”, Zhizha is used to make symbolic decorations such as lanterns, the models of mythic creatures and Gods in parades.

Since the Chinese generally believe in an afterlife, anything needed for the deceased to enjoy their afterlives, such as houses, furniture, food, gadgets and even servants will be made into Zhizha models and burned as offerings to them.

"Though most people can buy paper-made offerings in local stores, a quick look at taobao.com, the most popular online shopping mall in China, reveals a wide choice of paper-made items from mini-houses, Mercedes Benz cars, passports and LV suitcases to iPads and iPhones.

The growing disbelief in the afterlife, and increased awareness of the pollutive nature of burning Zhizha offerings are believed the main reasons behind the decline.