Title: The Customs, Origin, and Legends of Qingming Festival

I. Introduction
The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on April 4 or 5 of the lunar calendar. It is a time for honoring ancestors and showing respect to the departed. In this handout, we will explore the customs, origin, and legends associated with this significant festival.
II. Origin of Qingming Festival
The Qingming Festival has a long history, dating back to the Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BC). It was initially a day for farmers to plant crops, as it marked the beginning of spring. Over time, the festival evolved into a day for honoring ancestors and cleaning tombs.
III. Customs of Qingming Festival
1. Tomb Sweeping: Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombstones, remove weeds, and offer food, tea, and paper money.
2. Offering Paper Money: People burn paper money and other symbolic items to ensure their ancestors have enough money in the afterlife.
3. Flying Kites: Flying kites is a popular activity during the Qingming Festival. It is believed that kites can carry the spirits of the deceased to the heavens.
4. Planting Trees: Planting trees is another custom, as it symbolizes growth and renewal.
5. Eating Qingming Cake: Qingming Cake, also known as Cold Food Cake, is a traditional food made with rice flour and various fillings.
IV. Legends of Qingming Festival
1. The Story of Jie Zitui: According to legend, Jie Zitui was a loyal minister who sacrificed himself to save his king. In gratitude, the king allowed Jie's mother to choose his bones. She found his bones in a peach tree, and the king ordered that the tree be planted in the ground. This became the origin of the Qingming Festival, as people began to visit the graves of their ancestors to honor Jie Zitui.
2. The Legend of the White Snake: This story revolves around a white snake spirit and her human lover, who were separated due to their different backgrounds. The Qingming Festival is significant in this story because it is the day when the white snake spirit visits her lover's tomb.
V. Conclusion
The Qingming Festival is a time for reflection, remembrance, and respect. Its customs and legends have been passed down through generations, making it an essential part of Chinese culture. By understanding the history and significance of this festival, we can appreciate the rich cultural heritage it represents.
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