Clear and Bright Festival, also known as Qingming Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the 4th or 5th of April each year. It is also known as the Tomb Sweeping Day, when people pay respect and tribute to their ancestors by visiting their tombs, offering flowers, and burning incense. The festival is celebrated in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and many overseas Chinese communities.
The Qingming Festival has a rich history that dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), Chinese people started the practice of tomb sweeping to show their respect to the dead. In the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Emperor Xuanzong designated the day as a national holiday, and it has been celebrated ever since.
The festival carries significant spiritual and cultural meaning for Chinese people. It is a day for remembering and paying tribute to ancestors, as well as fostering family traditions and strengthening bonds between generations. It is also believed to be an auspicious day to pray for good fortune and good harvest in the coming year.
The main activities during Qingming Festival include tomb sweeping, offering flowers and incense, and making offerings of food and wine. People also fly kites, plant willow branches, and engage in other outdoor activities. In addition, Qingming Festival has its special food, such as Qingming cake and green rice cake.
In recent years, more people are choosing to celebrate Qingming in non-traditional ways due to changing lifestyles and increasing mobility. Some families visit parks or scenic spots to enjoy nature and the spring weather, while others choose to pursue indoor activities such as making handicrafts or playing games.
In summary, Clear and Bright Festival is a time-honored tradition that holds great significance for Chinese people. It provides an opportunity for paying respects to ancestors, cherishing family traditions, and celebrating the arrival of spring. As China's influence grows globally, the Qingming Festival is becoming better known and appreciated by people around the world as a treasured cultural event.
