Why do people eat money?

People may eat money as a form of protest, art, or performance to convey a message about consumerism, value, or the absurdity of attachment to material wealth. In some cultures, it's also done during rituals or ceremonies to symbolize the idea of wealth being consumed or transformed. Additionally, there are rare instances of individuals consuming paper money out of mental health issues or as a misguided attempt to make a statement about financial struggles. Overall, the act typically serves a symbolic purpose rather than a literal one.