The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on April 4 or 5 of the Gregorian calendar each year. It is a time for people to honor their ancestors and the deceased. Here is an English introduction to the origin and customs of Qingming Festival:

**Origin of Qingming Festival:**
The Qingming Festival has a long history, with its roots dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) in ancient China. The festival was initially celebrated to pay respects to the deceased and to express gratitude to ancestors. It was also a time to worship gods and spirits, as well as to祈求 (qí qiú, to pray for) good harvests and peace in the community.
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), the Qingming Festival became an official state holiday, and its customs began to be widespread. The festival is named after the clear and bright weather that usually occurs around this time of year, which is believed to be the most suitable time to visit graves and perform rituals.
**Customs of Qingming Festival:**
1. **Tomb-Sweeping:**
The most important custom of Qingming Festival is tomb-sweeping, where families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombs, pay their respects, and offer food, drinks, paper money, and other offerings.
2. **Paying Respect to Ancestors:**
People often visit the graves of their deceased relatives, bow their heads, and leave offerings to express their gratitude and honor. Some families also hold a small family gathering at the gravesite.
3. **Firing Paper Money and Paper Offerings:**
Many people burn paper money and other paper offerings to the spirits of the deceased, believing that it will provide them with wealth and comfort in the afterlife.
4. **Wearing White Clothes:**
It is traditional to wear white clothes on Qingming Festival, symbolizing purity and respect for the deceased.
5. **Fasting and Abstaining from Sweets:**
Some people fast or abstain from sweets on Qingming Festival to show respect for the spirits of the ancestors.
6. **Eating Qingming Cake:**
Qingming Cake, also known as Zongzi, is a traditional food associated with the festival. It is a sticky rice dumpling that is usually filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
7. **Playing Paper Fans:**
Children often play with paper fans, which symbolize the wind that blows away the bad luck and misfortune of the deceased.
The Qingming Festival is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the maintenance of family ties. It is a significant part of Chinese cultural heritage and continues to be celebrated by millions of people around the world.
「点击下面查看原网页 领取您的八字精批报告☟☟☟☟☟☟」
侵权及不良内容联系邮箱:seoserver@126.com,一经核实,本站将立刻删除。