Clear and Bright Festival, also known as Qingming Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the 4th or 5th of April every year. It is a time to pay respects to ancestors, tidy up family graves, and enjoy outdoor activities. In this article, we will delve into its origins, customs, and modern celebrations.
Qingming Festival has a history of over 2,500 years. It originated from the ancient Chinese customs of tomb-sweeping and ancestor worship. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), people would visit their ancestors' graves to offer sacrifices and tidy up the burial sites. This was believed to bring good fortune and blessings from their ancestors.
The festival was officially designated as a national holiday in China by the government in 2007. It remains an important cultural event and public holiday in China and in many overseas Chinese communities.
The main tradition of Qingming Festival is tomb-sweeping, where people visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the area, make offerings of food, wine, and incense, and offer prayers and bowing. Many Chinese families will prepare special foods, such as qingtuan and peach blossom porridge, to offer their deceased loved ones.
During the festival, people also enjoy outdoor activities, such as flying kites, playing tug-of-war, and hiking, to appreciate the beauty of nature in the springtime. In some places, dragon-boat races are held to commemorate a famous poet, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the river.
In recent years, with the rise of online technology, some people have started to memorialize their deceased loved ones online. They create online shrines and post digital offerings and messages. This has become a new way to pay respects to ancestors and to stay connected with family members who are far away.
Another modern custom is sending Qingming Festival greeting cards to friends and relatives. These cards often feature traditional Chinese motifs, such as flowers, birds, and poems, and are a way to express best wishes for the holiday.
Clear and Bright Festival is a time-honored tradition that reflects Chinese culture and values. It serves as a reminder to pay respect to ancestors and to cherish family bonds. As the world becomes more connected, we should not forget the importance of our roots and traditions. Qingming Festival is a timeless reminder of this.
