Qing Ming Jie (Tomb-Sweeping Day) in China

Qing Ming Jie, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival observed on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox, usually falling on April 4th or 5th each year. It is a time for paying respects to ancestors by tending to their gravesites.

History:

The festival has a history dating back more than 2,500 years. It originated from the Cold Food Festival during the Spring and Autumn period. The festival became associated with tomb-sweeping during the Tang Dynasty when Emperor Xuanzong declared it as a formal observance for ancestral veneration.

Traditions:

• Grave Sweeping: Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean them, which includes removing weeds and adding fresh soil.
• Offerings: Offerings of food, tea, wine, chopsticks, joss paper, and other items are placed at the graves.
• Burning Incense and Paper Money: Incense sticks are lit and paper money (also known as joss paper) is burned to ensure that ancestors have what they need in the afterlife.
• Outdoors Activities: People also take advantage of springtime to enjoy outdoor activities such as flying kites with lanterns attached at night, which is believed to bring good luck and happiness.

On Qing Ming Jie, people across China honor their past relatives with these rituals that blend respect for tradition with celebration of life and family unity.