Qingming Festival

Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day or Pure Brightness Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that marks the beginning of spring in China and is a time for people to pay tribute to their ancestors, visit their graves, and enjoy the outdoors as the weather becomes milder.

When is Qingming Festival?

In the Chinese lunar calendar, Qingming Festival is associated with the 15th day after the Spring Equinox. Qingming Festival falls on April 4th or 5th of each year in the Gregorian calendar. However, the exact date varies because it is based on the lunar calendar. This means that the date of Qingming Festival changes from year to year.

The following is the list of Qingming Festival from 2024 to 2028.

The History of Qingming Festival

Qingming Festival has a long history in Chinese culture dating back over 2,500 years. The festival has evolved over time and has both historical and cultural significance.

The origins of Qingming Festival can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty (around 1046-256 BCE) in ancient China. It was initially a time for people to hold various outdoor activities, such as spring outings and picnics, to enjoy the arrival of spring.

Over time, the festival began to incorporate the practice of tomb-sweeping, which is the central focus of Qingming Festival today. The tradition of visiting ancestral graves during this time is believed to have started during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE). People would clean and maintain the burial sites of their ancestors, make offerings, and pay respects to their deceased family members.

There are several folk tales and legends associated with Qingming Festival. One of the most famous stories is that of Jie Zitui, a loyal official during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE). Jie Zitui sacrificed himself to save his prince and later became the subject of a story that underscores the importance of filial piety and paying homage to ancestors.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), Qingming Festival became an official holiday with imperial decrees regulating the customs and rituals associated with the festival. The emphasis on tomb-sweeping and ancestral worship was further solidified during this period.

In contemporary China, Qingming Festival remains an important cultural observance. People continue to visit ancestral graves, offer sacrifices, and participate in outdoor activities like kite flying, hiking, and picnics. The holiday is an opportunity for family gatherings and reflection on the past.

What People Do on Qingming Festival?

During Qingming Festival, people engage in various customs and activities to honor their ancestors, enjoy the outdoors, and mark the arrival of spring. Here's how people might observe this day:

• Tomb Sweeping: The primary tradition of Qingming Festival is tomb sweeping, where families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean and maintain them. They offer offerings such as food, incense, and paper money to pay respects to their deceased loved ones.
• Ancestral Worship: Apart from visiting graves, many families also set up ancestral altars at home to make offerings and pay homage to their ancestors. This may involve lighting incense, placing offerings of food and tea, and burning joss paper.
• Outdoor Activities: Qingming Festival marks the arrival of spring, and many people take the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Families often go on outings, picnics, and hikes in the countryside to appreciate the natural beauty of the season.
• Swinging: In some regions, people participate in a traditional swinging game where they take turns on a large swing. It's a recreational activity that adds to the festive atmosphere.
• Kite Flying: Kite flying is a traditional activity during Qingming Festival. Colorful kites of various shapes and sizes are flown, and it's considered a way to bring good luck and drive away bad spirits.
• Observing Nature: Qingming Festival is a time to appreciate nature. People often take time to view and appreciate blooming flowers, greenery, and the renewal of life in the natural world.

Qingming Festival is a time for reflection, paying respects to ancestors, and celebrating the arrival of spring. It combines both solemn traditions and joyful outdoor activities, making it an important cultural and seasonal observance in Chinese communities.

Who was Jie Zitui (介子推)?

Jie Zitui (介子推) is a historical figure in Chinese folklore and history, known for his selfless sacrifice and dedication to his prince. His story is often associated with the observance of Qingming Festival, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of filial piety and loyalty.

Jie Zitui lived during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE), a time of political upheaval and turmoil in ancient China. He served as a loyal minister to Duke Wen of Jin, a feudal lord in the state of Jin. Jie Zitui was known for his integrity and devotion to his prince.

The most famous episode in Jie Zitui's life occurred during a period of famine and hardship in the state of Jin. Duke Wen, the ruler of Jin, was forced to go into exile with his loyal ministers, including Jie Zitui. They endured harsh conditions and often went hungry during their time in exile.

One day, while they were in a forest, Duke Wen became extremely hungry and wanted to eat. Jie Zitui, without hesitation, used a knife to cut a piece of flesh from his own leg to prepare a meal for the duke. The duke was deeply moved by Jie Zitui's sacrifice.

Years later, Duke Wen returned to power and offered high-ranking positions to his loyal ministers. However, Jie Zitui declined all offers and chose to live a humble and reclusive life in the mountains, away from politics and the court.

Duke Wen, realizing the depth of Jie Zitui's loyalty and sacrifice, decided to visit him and personally express his gratitude. However, Jie Zitui, who had lived in seclusion for many years, did not want to be disturbed. He and his mother retreated even deeper into the mountains to avoid meeting the duke.

In an attempt to smoke Jie Zitui out of his hiding place, Duke Wen ordered a fire to be set in the mountains. Tragically, the fire spread out of control, and Jie Zitui and his mother were killed in the blaze. Realizing the magnitude of his mistake, Duke Wen ordered a search for Jie Zitui's remains. When they were found, he mourned and honored Jie Zitui's memory.

To commemorate Jie Zitui's sacrifice, Duke Wen ordered that Qingming Festival be established as a day for people to visit the graves of their ancestors and pay their respects. The festival is observed every year, typically in early April, and is an occasion for honoring one's forebears and expressing gratitude for their sacrifices.

Jie Zitui's story has become a symbol of selflessness, loyalty, and the importance of familial and ancestral ties in Chinese culture. His sacrifice is remembered and celebrated during Qingming Festival, emphasizing the values of filial piety and respect for ancestors.