Today is a traditional Chinese festival Ching Ming

Qingming (ching ming) Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox. It is a time for Chinese people to pay respects to their ancestors and deceased loved ones by visiting their graves, cleaning the tombs, and offering sacrifices.

The origin of Qingming Festival can be traced back to over 2,500 years ago during the Zhou Dynasty. It was originally a day for people to go outdoors and enjoy the spring weather, but it gradually evolved into a day of remembrance for the dead. The festival gained official recognition during the Tang Dynasty and has been celebrated ever since.

On Qingming Festival, families typically gather together to visit the graves of their ancestors. They clean the tombs, remove weeds and debris, and offer food, flowers, and other offerings as a sign of respect. Some families also burn incense and paper money as a way to honor their ancestors and ensure their well-being in the afterlife.

In addition to tomb sweeping, Qingming Festival is also a time for people to enjoy outdoor activities such as flying kites, playing games, and having picnics. It is a time to celebrate the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.

One of the most famous customs associated with Qingming Festival is the eating of Qingming cake, also known as green rice cake. This sticky rice cake is made with glutinous rice and Chinese mugwort, giving it a green color and a slightly bitter taste. It is believed to have originated during the Han Dynasty and is still enjoyed by many people today.

In recent years, the Chinese government has designated Qingming Festival as a national holiday, giving people time off work to spend with their families and participate in traditional activities. However, with the rise of urbanization and the changing lifestyles of modern Chinese people, the observance of Qingming Festival has become less widespread in some areas.

Despite this, Qingming Festival remains an important cultural tradition in China, reminding people of the importance of family, respect for ancestors, and the value of tradition. It is a time to reflect on the past, honor the present, and look forward to the future.