As we look forward to some warmer weather, we often get excited about all the Spring activities and holidays we enjoy. This is the same throughout the world. In China, the Chinese celebrate the Qingming Festival on April 5th, the 104th day after the winter solstice, to praise deceased ancestors and loved ones at their graves.

 

This tradition has been celebrated for over 2,500 years! Celebrations include tomb sweeping and upkeep, firecrackers, family outings, kite flying, and wearing and putting willow branches on gates (Anastasia).

 

Willow branches are one of the most important parts of the Festival since it started. Willow trees are considered magical and hold much power and ward off evil spirits. A traditional picture is often shown of a goddess named Mercy Guanyin, sitting on a rock with a vase with a willow branch in it beside her. She pours the mysterious water and branch to cast away demons (Fercility).

 

The most important part of the Qingming Festival is visiting passed loved ones and ancestors’ graves. Some celebrations include: praying at the grave, offering food, tea or wine, burning incense, burning or offering joss paper (representing money) (Fercility). Some might also stick willow branches, flowers, or plastic plants at the tomb. Overtime this festival has simplified much over time. Some might just out flowers at the tomb.

The Qingming festival is also called the “Taquin Festival” , Taquin mean Spring outing, to enjoy the warm weather and beautiful scenery.

 

Flying Kites is also a custom of the Qingming festival. People of all ages fly kites during the day and evening. At night lanterns are attached to the kites, so they look like stars in the night. This is done because it was believed that this stopped diseases.

 

There are also various types of food at the festival. Foods are usually cooked one or two days before the festival. This is done because the day before Tomb Sweeping Day there is Cold Food day. Some foods might include,sweet green rice balls, peach blossom porridge, crispy cakes, Qingming snails, and eggs.

 

Many cultures have holidays around the start of Spring, weather it be with family or enjoying the outdoors. What do you celebrate? How do you celebrate the Spring?