Remembrance and Renewal: The Deep Culture of Qingming Festival

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  An opened ancient book with the words "Tomb-Sweeping Day" on it, accompanied by blooming flowers and tender willow branches.
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  In the picture, there is a scene of the ancient Cold Food Festival. People are making a fire and cooking. There are words about loyalty and filial piety beside it.
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  A cemetery. People are cleaning tombstones and placing offerings. There are green trees around.
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  A beautiful countryside with grassland, flowers and a family happily strolling.
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  Under the blue sky and white clouds, a child is happily flying a kite.
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  An ancient door with tender willow branches inserted on it.
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  A person is sitting in front of a computer for online sacrifice. On the other side, people are making civilized sacrifices in the countryside without burning paper. There are environmental protection signs and tourists beside.
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  People are planting trees on an open space. There are saplings and shovels beside.

Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day or Ancestor Worshipping Day, is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals, usually falling between April 4th and 6th of the Gregorian calendar. This festival is not only a time for remembering ancestors but also a celebration of spring, reflecting the Chinese people's profound understanding of the cycle of life and the harmony with nature.

I. The Historical Origin of Qingming Festival

The history of Qingming Festival dates back to the ancient Cold Food Festival, initially established to commemorate loyalty and filial piety. Over time, Qingming Festival has gradually integrated the customs of both the Cold Food Festival and the Shangsi Festival, becoming a comprehensive holiday.

II. Traditional Customs of Qingming Festival

1. Tomb Sweeping: One of the most important customs of Qingming Festival is tomb sweeping, where people clean the gravesites, offer sacrifices, and express their remembrance and respect for their ancestors.

2. Spring Outing: Spring is the season of rejuvenation, and people take this time to go on outings, enjoying the beauty of nature.

3. Kite Flying: Flying kites is a traditional activity during Qingming Festival, symbolizing the release of bad luck and the arrival of good fortune.

4. Willow Inserting: The custom of inserting willow branches on doors during Qingming Festival signifies life force and renewal.

5. Tree Planting: Qingming Festival is also an ideal time for tree planting, with people engaging in this activity to honor their ancestors and symbolize the continuation of life.

III. Modern Evolution of Qingming Festival

As society develops, the ways of celebrating Qingming Festival continue to evolve:

1. Online Commemoration: With the widespread use of the internet, online commemoration has become a new form of remembrance, convenient for those far from their hometowns.

2. Environmental Awareness: Modern Qingming Festival places greater emphasis on environmental protection, advocating for civilized commemoration and reducing activities such as burning paper that could pollute the environment.

3. Holiday Tourism: Qingming Festival has also become a peak period for tourism, with people using the holiday to enjoy the fresh air and beauty of the countryside.

IV. Cultural Significance of Qingming Festival

Qingming Festival is not just a holiday; it carries the Chinese people's deep contemplation of life, nature, and history. It reminds us to cherish life, respect nature, and honor our ancestors.