The Qingming Festival

The Qingming Festival

The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It usually falls around April 5th of the Gregorian calendar. This festival is rich in traditions and customs, which are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Here are some of the main ones:

1. Tomb Sweeping (扫墓)
Tomb sweeping is the most significant custom of the Qingming Festival. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to pay their respects. They clean the tombstones, remove any weeds or debris around the graves, and offer sacrifices such as flowers, food, and paper money. This act is a way to show filial piety and remember the deceased. People believe that by doing so, they can convey their love and gratitude to their ancestors and ensure that the spirits of the dead are at peace. In modern times, the use of fresh flowers has become more popular instead of paper money to be more environmentally friendly.

2. Offering Sacrifices (祭祀)
In addition to cleaning the tombs, people also offer various sacrifices. Traditional offerings include fruits, pastries, and specially cooked dishes. These are placed in front of the tombstones as a tribute to the ancestors. Incense is also burned, and people bow or kowtow to express their respect and wishes. The act of offering sacrifices is an important part of the cultural heritage, reflecting the Chinese people’s emphasis on family and the continuation of family traditions.

3. Spring Outing (踏青)
As the Qingming Festival usually comes during the spring season when the weather turns warm, the grass turns green, and flowers are in full bloom, it is a perfect time for spring outings. People go outdoors to enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature, take a walk in the countryside, or have picnics. This custom not only allows people to relax and rejuvenate but also symbolizes the connection between humans and nature. It is a way to embrace the new life and vitality that spring brings.

4. Flying Kites (放风筝)
Flying kites is a popular activity during the Qingming Festival. Kites come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, with some even decorated with intricate patterns. People fly kites in open fields, and it is believed that flying a kite can carry away bad luck and illness. In some areas, people would cut the string of the kite when it is flying high, allowing it to drift away with the wind, symbolizing the release of misfortunes.

5. Planting Willow Trees (插柳)
Planting or wearing willow branches is another traditional custom. People often pick fresh willow branches and insert them on the doors or windows of their houses, or wear them in their hair. In Chinese culture, the willow is considered a symbol of vitality and is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and protect the family. This custom may also be related to the agricultural significance of willows, as they are often associated with the arrival of spring and the hope for a good harvest.

6. Eating Qingtuan (吃青团)
Qingtuan is a traditional snack that is commonly eaten during the Qingming Festival, especially in southern China. It is a kind of glutinous rice ball, usually filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings. The dough is made from glutinous rice flour mixed with the juice of mugwort or other green plants, giving it a green color. Eating Qingtuan is not only a delicious treat but also a way to commemorate the festival and experience traditional cuisine.

These customs of the Qingming Festival not only reflect the Chinese people’s respect for their ancestors and their connection with nature but also play an important role in maintaining and passing on Chinese cultural traditions.