As Chinese people prepare to honor their ancestors over next month’s Tomb-Sweeping Festival holiday, the country’s central bank on Monday banned the use of imitation banknotes as traditional offerings.

The People’s Bank of China says the restriction is aimed at “preserving the integrity and dignity” of the country’s currency and preventing the “improper use of currency images,” according to a Monday report by China News Service. The report did not elaborate on how violators would be punished.

On April 5, people across China will celebrate Tomb-Sweeping Day — or Qingming Festival — by offering money, foodstuffs, and other items to their ancestors to aid them in the afterlife.

In recent years, local governments have prohibited the burning of so-called ghost money in order to curb air pollution. This year, however, marks the first time a nationwide ban will be implemented, according to China News Service. (Image: VCG)