What is the meaning of the Qingming Festival?

Qingming Festival is when Chinese people traditionally visit ancestral tombs to sweep them. This tradition has been legislated by the Emperors who built majestic imperial tombstones for every dynasty.

What is sacrificed during Qingming Festival?

The Qingming Festival sees a combination of sadness and happiness. This is the most important day of sacrifice. Both the Han and minority ethnic groups at this time offer sacrifices to their ancestors and sweep the tombs of the deceased. Also, they will not cook on this day and only cold food is served.

Why is it called Tomb Sweeping Day?

What do people do during Qingming Festival? Qingming Festival is often referred to as Tomb Sweeping Day in English and this name makes sense considering the fact that tomb sweeping is the most important activity that people engage in on this holiday.

How does China Celebrate Day of the Dead?

Throughout China, families wake up early to sweep the graveyards where their ancestors are buried. After that, families usually burn joss paper, also known as incense paper, in the shape of clothing, a house or money as a way to express abundance to their loved ones in their afterlife.

What religions celebrate the Qingming Festival?

The Qingming or Ching Ming Festival is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the first day of the fifth solar month.

What do the Chinese do at their ancestors tombs to show their respect?

Tomb Sweeping — the Most Important Custom of Qingming Festival. People commemorate and show respect to their ancestors by visiting their graves, offering food, tea or wine, burning incense, burning or offering joss paper (representing money), etc.

How long does Qingming Last?

Qing Ming Festival falls on the 15th day after the spring equinox or the 106th day after winter solstice, namely in early April. However, people start visiting their relatives’ tombs 10 days before and continue for 10 days afterwards.

Why do Chinese pray to their ancestors?

Being an important aspect of the Chinese culture, the social or non-religious function of ancestor worship is to cultivate kinship values like filial piety, family loyalty, and continuity of the family lineage. Most likely, the patrilineal ancestors and their wives will be honoured.