The Origin and Stories 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, based on the Chinese lunar calendar. It is a time for honoring the deceased ancestors and is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture.
**Origin:**
The Qingming Festival has its roots in ancient China, with its origins dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). It was originally a day to honor the spirits of the ancestors, but over time, it evolved into a more comprehensive festival that includes activities such as tomb-sweeping, ancestor worship, and spring outings.
**Stories:**
1. **The Story of Jie Zitui:**
One of the most famous stories associated with Qingming is about Jie Zitui, a loyal minister during the Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BC). According to legend, Jie Zitui jumped into a fire to save his king, but the king survived. Out of gratitude, the king allowed Jie Zitui to choose any place on earth to live. Jie Zitui chose a mountain, which became known as Jie Mountain. The king ordered the villagers to avoid cutting trees or burning anything on the mountain to show respect for Jie Zitui. This tradition eventually evolved into the Qingming Festival, where people avoid fire and pay homage to their ancestors.
2. **The Story of the Qingming Banquet:**
Another story involves a banquet held by the god of the earth, who invited the spirits of the deceased to join. The spirits were so delighted with the feast that they forgot to return to the underworld. The gods were angry and decided to punish the spirits, but the people of China pleaded for mercy. The gods agreed to allow the spirits to return to the underworld, but only if the people cleaned their tombs and paid their respects. This became a custom that is still observed during the Qingming Festival.
**Folk Customs:**
1. **Tomb-Sweeping:**
This is the most important activity during the Qingming Festival. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombs, offer food, tea, and paper money, and burn incense. It is believed that by doing so, they can show their respect and ensure the well-being of their ancestors.
2. **Ancestor Worship:**
In addition to tomb-sweeping, people also offer sacrifices to their ancestors at home. This can include setting up altars with offerings of food, tea, and incense.
3. **Spring Outings:**
The Qingming Festival is also a time for spring outings. People enjoy picnics, fly kites, and engage in other outdoor activities to celebrate the arrival of spring.
4. **Avoiding Fire:**
It is traditional to avoid fire during the Qingming Festival to prevent the spirits from being disturbed. This includes not cooking or using any kind of flame.
The Qingming Festival is a time for reflection, respect, and renewal, and it continues to be an integral part of Chinese cultural heritage.
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