Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that falls between April 4th and 6th each year. It is a time for people to worship their ancestors and sweep tombs. The festival originated from ancient ancestor worship and spring rituals, and it combines both natural and cultural significance as it marks a seasonal change and is a traditional festival. What traditional customs of the Qingming Festival do you know?

Tomb Sweeping

Tomb Sweeping is the main activity during the Qingming Festival, also known as "ancestor worship". It is a way to show respect and remembrance to ancestors. People visit the graves of their ancestors, clean the tombstones, offer food and drinks, burn incense, and make offerings to show filial piety and gratitude. It is believed that by doing so, the spirits of the ancestors will be comforted and blessed.

Flying Kites

In ancient times, flying kites during the Qingming Festival was not only a recreational activity but also a way to pray for the release of bad luck and the resolution of difficulties. Many people would write down their troubles and illnesses on the kites, and then cut the kite string when it soared into the sky, hoping that all the bad luck would be carried away by the wind and bring good fortune.

Spring Outing

During the Qingming Festival, people go out into nature to appreciate and enjoy the sights of spring. This activity, known as Spring Outing or Spring Excursion, was also called "Exploring Spring" or "Seeking Spring" in ancient times. It involves walking on green grass, playing in the countryside, and admiring the beauty of spring. Spring Outing, as a seasonal folk custom, has a long history in China and originated from ancient agricultural rituals to welcome the arrival of spring.

Tree Planting

Around the Qingming Festival, with the warm spring sunshine and gentle rain, tree seedlings have a high survival rate and grow quickly. Therefore, it has been a tradition in China to plant trees during this time. The custom of tree planting has been passed down to this day.