From Wagyu to joss paper: rise of pet spirit money, luxury farewell ceremonies take China by storm

“Pet spirit money” in various currencies has emerged as a burgeoning trend, with many promoting “luxury dog funerals” that include paper servants and companion pets, as well as unique paper offerings such as salmon, tuna, steak, Wagyu beef and dried chicken. In China, holding funerals for loved ones and burning joss paper have long been revered mourning traditions, originally intended to express remembrance and respect for the deceased, as well as to convey the hope that they will thrive in the...