**The Origin and Customs of Qingming Festival**

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 honoring the deceased ancestors and is one of the most important festivals in China, alongside the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and the Dragon Boat Festival.
**Origin of Qingming Festival:**
The origin of the Qingming Festival can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). It was initially a day to honor the spirits of ancestors and gods. Over time, the festival merged with other traditional practices, such as the Qingming Banquet, which was a gathering to celebrate the spring harvest.
The festival got its name from the ancient Chinese character "Qingming," which means "cleaning" or "clearing." It signifies the cleaning of tombs and the clearing of the air after the harsh winter.
**Customs of Qingming Festival:**
1. **Tomb-Sweeping:** The most important custom of the Qingming Festival is tomb-sweeping. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to pay their respects. They clean the tombs, remove weeds, and offer food, tea, wine, and paper money to the spirits. Paper offerings are burned to symbolize the provision of wealth and goods for the deceased in the afterlife.
2. **Offerings:** People also bring offerings such as fruits, pastries, and tea to the graves. Some families may perform rituals like bowing, burning incense, or lighting candles.
3. **Wearing Green:** It is customary to wear greenery, such as willow branches or bamboo leaves, during the Qingming Festival. This practice is believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.
4. **Paying Respect to the Deceased:** Some people visit the graves of celebrities or historical figures who have made significant contributions to society. This is a way to pay tribute to their legacy.
5. **Qingming Banquet:** In some regions, families gather for a Qingming Banquet to celebrate the arrival of spring. The meal often includes dishes made from seasonal ingredients, such as eggs, spring onions, and bamboo shoots.
6. **Flying Kites:** In northern China, flying kites is a popular Qingming Festival activity. It is believed that flying kites helps to clear the air and release negative energy.
7. **Planting Trees:** Another custom is to plant trees on Qingming Day. This practice symbolizes the growth and renewal of life.
The Qingming Festival is a time for reflection and remembrance, as well as a celebration of the beauty of spring. It is a time when families come together to honor their ancestors and express gratitude for their guidance and support throughout their lives.
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