In George Town, Malaysia, a growing number of people are embracing personalised joss paper offerings for the Hungry Ghost Festival, blending tradition with creativity. This year, many devotees are folding joss paper into intricate shapes and handcrafted items, guided by online tutorials that have surged in popularity.

At a prayer paraphernalia shop on Jalan Perak, customers can select from more than 50 varieties of joss paper and various decorative accessories such as gold and silver coins, roses, ingots, and beads. The shop’s supervisor, Ong Hong Ya, 49, reported a 50% increase in customers choosing to create their own joss paper offerings rather than purchasing ready-made items.

“These tutorials encourage customers to tap into their creative side,” Ong said. “People are making everything from clothes and vehicles to money baskets, using gold and silver bars that need to be carefully folded.” She noted that some of the simpler shapes, such as pineapples, ingots, and lotus flowers, remain popular due to their relative ease of assembly.

For many participants, the DIY approach offers a meaningful way to honour departed loved ones. Ong explained that handcrafted pieces often hold special sentimental value and can be more affordable. “A ready-made wealth basket can cost RM108, but making one from scratch can cost less than half, depending on how elaborate the design is,” she added. Joss paper prices vary between RM3.80 and over RM20 for 100 sheets, based on size and type.

Similarly, Kenny Lim, 42, a fourth-generation operator of a prayer paraphernalia shop on Lebuh Carnavon, confirmed steady demand for personalized joss paper creations. He said customers frequently bring tutorial videos when purchasing supplies, using them as visual guides to select appropriate materials. “Lotus flowers are common because they’re easier to fold,” Lim observed.

The Hungry Ghost Festival, observed during the seventh lunar month, is grounded in the belief that spirits of the deceased roam the human world during this period. Devotees make offerings of food, incense, and joss paper to honour ancestors and appease wandering spirits. This year, the festival’s peak falls on August 27, the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.