Chinese Culture >> Chinese Society Traditions >> Qing Ming Festival
Qing Ming Festival
By: Juilianne Abrahm
The Qing Ming festival is a traditional Chinese event held on
the 104th day after the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It generally
falls around the same time as Easter - give or take some weeks.
I find this interesting given that both festivals, whilst from different
cultural and religious belief systems, celebrates life that was - and calls
forth the new. The feast day of Easter was originally a pagan celebration of
renewal and rebirth. Celebrated in the early spring, it honored the pagan Saxon
Goddess Eastre.
When the early missionaries converted the Saxons to Christianity, this holiday,
since it fell around the same time as the traditional memorial of Christ's
resurrection from the dead, was merged with the pagan celebration, and became
know as Easter and reflected its new Christian orientation.
This year the Qing Ming festival will fall on April 5. This marks the fifth term
in the traditional lunar calendar and a is also a time to hold a memorial
ceremony for those relatives who have passed away.
The Chinese community place great emphasis on their ancestors. However, it is
not considered a solemn occasion, but rather, a time of remembrance for those
who have moved on. It is a time for 'happy unison' with other family members
along with a demonstration of respect to your ancestors.
At this time of the year, individuals or entire families, often go to sweep and
weed graves. This custom can be traced back to over one thousand years ago. In
fact, during the Tang Dynasty (732AD), the custom of taking an outing such as
walking the hills with the family, or having a picnic, on this particular day,
were developed. During this period it was also declared that just one special
day a year would be devoted to this purpose.
To "sweep the graves" means to clear the graves of all the leaves and weeds and
repaint the inscriptions. Then food such as fruit, rice, wine, chicken, pork,
cakes, in fact any favorite foods of the ancestors, will be placed around the
grave. Paper money will also be burned, candles lit and the whole family kneels
to pay respect. After prayers, the food is usually consumed by the descendants,
as a part of the grave sweeping ceremony. These acts are not only considered to
be declarations of respect but also deeds that will bring the filial descendants
a fortunate life and good health. Health is often something we take for granted
and is only dwelled upon when we, or a loved one, falls ill.
Feng Shui helps to improve poor health and maintain
good health. There are also a number of products that can offer symbolic support
of this endeavor. The Natural Health Gourd is one of the items carried by the
eight fairies and is said to contain the holy nectar of the Gods. I gave this to
my mother some years ago as the Gourd is symbolic of longevity and works well
when placed around the knob of your bedroom door or even at the main entrance to
your home. If I have learned anything over the years it is to enjoy the company
of those I love while I have the chance to share in their lives. The Qing Ming
festival lets you remember your loved ones who have passed away, and reminds you
that you must continue making happy memories with those who are still with you.
We would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you and your
family, all the best over the Easter period and Qing Ming festival. We hope you
use this time of year to give thanks and respect for what has been, and at the
same time to bring in the new and enjoy the richness of life.
About the Author:
Aaron is a professional freelance writer at custom essays writing service: custom-essay.net He is also a technical writer, advertising copywriter, & website copywriter for Custom Essay Writing Service