Incense and candles often lay the foundation of Shenism rituals, their fragrant smoke carrying prayers skyward. Fresh fruits—apples for peace, oranges for good fortune, pears for longevity—are artfully arranged on altars. Little bowls of rice and cups of tea stand side by side, while a small pour of wine or baijiu turns the feast into something richer, a nod to ancestors who once enjoyed similar libations.

Joss paper, sometimes called “spirit money,” frequently makes up the lion’s share of offerings. Gleaming sheets of gold or silver foil get burned at the foot of a temple statue, symbolically sending wealth to wandering spirits. In recent years, some temples have even introduced digital offerings—scan a QR code, and a virtual banknote floats on screen—an eco‐friendly twist that’s caught on since last year’s Spring Festival.

Meat offerings vary by region. Coastal communities might lay out fresh fish or shrimp, while inland villages roast a whole pig as a showstopper during harvest celebrations. Vegetarian dishes—steamed buns, lotus root salad, tofu skin rolls—can fill plates when purity is the name of the game, especially around the Qingming tomb‐sweeping rites. Flowers—chrysanthemums in autumn, peonies in spring—add a splash of color, representing the fleeting beauty of life.

Local specialties often make an appearance: mooncakes during Mid‐Autumn, zongzi at Dragon Boat time, or sticky rice balls in a bowl of sweet ginger soup come Lantern Festival. Lanterns themselves can be considered offerings too, their warm glow guiding spirits back to the family circle.

Recently, as environmental concerns gained steam, many shrines suggest compostable paper or simply planting trees in a spirit’s honor. A handful of temples in Taipei even organize charity drives during the Ghost Festival, turning dedication into real‐world good deeds. By blending tradition with modern sensibilities, offerings in Shenism continue to honor the unseen while keeping the spirit of community alive.