by Chuanming Zhu

清明节qīng míng jié, also known as the Tomb-sweeping Day, is one of the 24 solar terms and also a traditional Chinese festival for sweeping tombs and offering sacrifice to ancestors. It typically falls on 4^th, 5^th or 6^th in April. Its Chinese name 清明qīng míng literally means “clear and bright,” hinting at its importance as a celebration of Spring. Similar to the festivals of spring in other cultures, the Tomb-sweeping Day celebrates the rebirth of nature, while marking the beginning of outdoor activities.

The Tomb-sweeping Day will meet Easter on April 4^th this year. According to folk religion, the Chinese believe that the spirits of deceased ancestors live in another world and protect their descendants. Sacrifices of food and spirit money could help the descendants to have a better life, and their family would prosper through good harvests and more children. That’s why, the major custom on the Tomb Sweeping Day is tomb-sweeping. On that day, people will visit their family graves to wipe the tombstones carefully and decorate them with fresh flowers. They will then set out offerings of food and spirit money to their ancestors. When the ceremony is finished, the family will share the offerings of food with each other.

Tomb-sweeping Day is also a day for people to enjoy the hope of spring. The day after, everything in nature takes on a new look, as trees turn green, flowers blossom and the sun shines brightly. It is a fine time to go out and to appreciate the beautiful scenes of nature with family and friends. A spring outing not only adds joy to life but also promotes a healthy body and mind.