Qingming Festival

2021-04-02 15:25

The Qingming Festival comes after the Spring Equinox as the fifth of China’s 24 solar terms. It is the only solar term which is celebrated with a three-day national holiday.

 

As the ancient book Suishibaiwan records, the name originates from the saying “plants start to revive and prosper at Qingming in a clean and bright way. Thus, the festival is called Qingming”, which means clean and bright.

 

The two main activities over the festival include tomb sweeping and going on a spring outing. Tomb sweeping aims to commemorate family ancestors while going on a spring outing allows everyone the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and enjoy the season.

Traditional customs

 

Tomb sweeping

 

The tradition of tomb sweeping originates from the Qin Dynasty. On this day, the whole family gathers in front of their ancestral tombs. They offer fruit and wine to their ancestors, clean the weeds from around the tomb and burn joss paper. Finally, they kowtow and pray, hoping for their ancestors’ blessing for the rest of the year.

 

Spring outing

 

The time around the Qingming Festival is one of the most suitable seasons for a spring outing, as plants are thriving and flowers are blooming. People can have a great time outdoors with their friends and family. Playing football and flying kites are popular activities.

 

Planting willow branches

 

During the Qingming Festival, people also break a branch of willow and plant it in front of their gate. This is said to dispel evil spirits and help bring good luck. People of all ages may also wear fresh willow twigs to retain some of the clear spring air.