Qingming Festival is not only one of the 24 Solar Terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, but also an important event for Chinese people to honor their deceased family members.
Speaking of the solar term Qingming Festival, which is observed in early April when the temperature begins to rise and rainfall increases, it is the right time for spring cultivation and sowing. At the same time, Chinese people will visit tombs of their ancestors around Qingming Festival to pay respect to the deceased. It was included as a Chinese public holiday in 2008. Chinese people call themselves the descendants of the Yan Emperor and Yellow Emperor. A grand ceremony is held on Qingming Festival every year in order to commemorate the Yellow Emperor, also known as the Xuanyuan Emperor. On this day, Chinese from all over the world pay respects to this ancestor together. This serves as a reminder of the roots of Chinese people and a chance to revisit the civilization of our ancestors.
Apart from sweeping tombs and offering sacrifices to ancestors, there are also several other traditional activities to celebrate Qingming Festival.
1. Spring Outing
Ever since ancient times, Chinese people have had the custom of going for an outing during Qingming Festival, which originated in the ancient spring farming ritual custom. Around this festival, the nature everywhere presents a vibrant scene. Families of old and young went for sweeping tombs whiles they also enjoyed the spring fun on the mountains and in the countryside.
2. Planting Trees
Around Qingming Festival, there is plenty of rain and sunshine, which increases saplings’ survival and fast growth. Therefore, there has been the tradition of planting trees during Qingming Festival.
3. Eating Qingtuan
Qingtuan, which literally means “green bulb”, is a round green dessert. It was originally an offering for ancestors during Qingming Festival. As the custom of worshipping ancestors has weakened with time, it is now regarded as a favored spring outing snack, especially popular among people in south of the Yangtze River.
