Can smoke offerings replace the food and physical offerings of the Ghost Festival?

Smoke offerings have their function, and Sheng Zhen Men also performs them. But convenience alone cannot decide whether all physical offerings should be replaced.

I have said that, theoretically, transformation through smoke offerings can provide what unseen beings need. Actual practice also depends on the officiant’s ability and whether a deity oversees it. Theoretical possibility does not mean anyone reciting the words achieves an identical result.

In our faith understanding, some unseen beings retain traditional habits and need to see an offering table and food to recognise an invitation to eat. I therefore also value local customs and how participants understand the ceremony.

This relates to simplifying worship. Sheng Zhen Men does not require every offering to be elaborate, but still prepares flowers, fruit and offerings to express care. Forms can change after clarifying purpose and conditions. Otherwise, reducing movements may also mean forgetting whom we intended to help and how.