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

he rising popularity of pet funeral services in China signifies a growing trend where owners seek elaborate send-offs for their pets, including unique paper offerings like gourmet foods and cremation services.

Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote “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 afterlife.

However, as the pet industry continues to flourish in China, a growing array of pet services modelled after human practices has emerged, including pet funerals, with many owners adopting similar rituals to commemorate and process their grief for deceased companions.

The pet industry in China has seen remarkable growth, evolving from a niche market into a vibrant, technologically advanced, and rapidly advancing sector.

Photo: EPA/Alex Plavevski At these pet funeral services, memorial ceremonies are thoughtfully arranged, featuring floral displays, farewell blankets, memorial walls and paw-print keepsake boxes, providing pets with a dignified final goodbye.

Amid this trend, a niche market for “pet joss paper” and funeral offerings has also surfaced, creating a new business opportunity.

Numerous online stores now offer pet-related ritual paper items.

For instance, some vendors provide elaborate “luxury pet funeral” packages priced at 239.8 yuan (US$35), which may include up to 139 paper offerings, such as shampoo, washing machines, air conditioners, and even symbolic servants or companion pets, along with gold and silver ingots.

The practice of burning paper offerings for pets has ignited controversy, with some online users arguing that it is primarily a marketing ploy fuelled by commercial interests.

Photo: mbd.baidu.com “One year has passed, and I still miss my baby so much.

I hope it receives these and enjoys them.

I hope we can meet again,” wrote one customer in a review after purchasing pet joss paper from an online store.

Some sellers also offer burning services on behalf of customers, with fees ranging from 19.9 to 28.8 yuan.

Customer service staff at one store told Jimu News that these pet spirit mone

原文链接: 南华早报