Tomb sweeping day

© babasteve (Flickr) China
© babasteve (Flickr)

One of the few traditional Chinese holidays to follow the solar calendar it is known as Qing Ming to the indigenous population. This translates to ‘Clear Brightness’ and is closely associated with the rebirth of nature.

Indeed, in ancient times coloured eggs were broken to symbolise the beginning of life. Dancing, courting and kite flying were also popular at this time of year, all of which were viewed as invigorating and re-affirming life.

It is said by some that the festival evolved from Hanshi Day, a memorial day for Jie Zitui who was tragically killed in 636BC by Duke Win of Jin when he was trying to thank him for services previously rendered.

Others insist that the Tang Empreror Xuanzong was responsible for its origin when he sort to curb excesses in honouring the dead by restricting ceremonies to only taking place during Qing Ming.

However it came about, in the years which followed, Qing Ming always centred upon honoring past ancestors.

Country tradition dictated that the spirits of deceased relatives protected the living family so food and the burning of spirit money or paper gifts were offered to thank them. This in turn would lead to better harvests and more offspring.

Today, Tomb Sweeping Day is taken literally and families tend to the graves of their loved ones by clearing away any weeds or overgrowth before leaving food or burning incense. Some families keep the food purposefully bland so as not to attract any evil spirits that may roam the burial grounds.

Others carry willow branches or hang them from their doors to ward away these vengeful entities. This time is still seen as a fortuitous period for young couples to begin courting and the flying of kites in all shapes and colors has also persevered through the ages.