Spirit tablet

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Spirit tablet

A spirit tablet for the earth god in Hong Kong

Traditional Chinese:

神主牌

Literal meaning:

spirit master sign

Transliterations
Mandarin
- Hanyu Pinyin:	shen2 zhu3 pai2
Yue (Cantonese)
- Jyutping:	san4 zyu2 paai4

alternative Chinese name

Traditional Chinese:

神位

Literal meaning:

spirit seat

Transliterations
Mandarin
- Hanyu Pinyin:	shen2 wei4
Yue (Cantonese)
- Jyutping:	san4 wai6

A Spirit tablet, Spirit seat or Ancestor post^[1] is a sign used for worshipping ancestors in traditional Chinese culture. It is usually red or maroon. In loose terms it is used to reserve a space for the spirit.

1 Usage
2 Gallery
3 References
4 See also

[edit] Usage

After the death of a family member, usually signs are put up around the house. There are generally 4 signs at different positions, though this is not entirely required. Due to the modernizing of Chinese culture around the world, these tablets are becoming more rare.

When used, incense sticks are usually burned with the tablet. Sometimes fruits and Chinese pastry are placed near the tablet to offer food to the spirit.

One outside the house at the front door （A shrine either to the Jade Emperor or the earth deity)
One in the kitchen (A shrine to Zao Jun)
Two in the house, usually at least one in the living room (A shrine to any other deity or ancestors)