VALLETTA, Nov. 1 -- Although Malta and China are geographically very distant from each other, it is interesting to notice that the two cultures share some similar cultural traits, including a deep respect towards their dead.

On the other hand, it is significant to observe that these two peoples show their appreciation towards their dead in a very different way.

In Malta, on Nov. 2 of each year, people celebrate the "All Souls Day". On this day, many people will go to the cemetery in order to visit dead family members and friends.

Usually, people will clean the surface of the tombs by removing some weeds which grow around it. Other tombs are washed since they are decorated in marble.

Not all the tombs are the same. Some tombs are also embellished with religious statues or monuments, whilst the richer tombs are embedded within a small chamber which is adorned in elegant architecture.

Whoever visits the various cemeteries will take a bunch of brightly colored flowers in order to put them in a jar of water and place it on the tomb. Moreover, people put candles on the tombs and light them before they start to recite some prayers for the repose of the dead souls.

Only inhumation is practiced in Malta, though recently the possibility of cremation is being considered as cemeteries are becoming too large and therefore unpractical.

While in China, people observe the Qingming Festival, or as it is also known the Tomb Sweeping Day, usually on April 4 or 5. Furthermore, on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month, the Chinese people celebrate the Ghost Festival.

During the Qingming Festival people will remember and honor their ancestors at grave sites through prayer, by sweeping the tombs, by repainting the calligraphy present on site, by burning incense, and by offering food, tea, wine and other accessories.

Since the Qingming takes place with the beginning of the Spring season, these celebrations usually include also family outings and kite flying. Some farmers start ploughing their fields on this day.

On the other hand, during the Ghost Festival, people will pay respects to all deceased whether young or old. Some of the activities which take place during the Qingming are also undertaken throughout the Ghost Festival, including the offering of food and the burning of incense.

Other celebrations could include the releasing of miniature paper boats and lanterns on water. This ritual is intended to direct the lost ghosts and spirits to their resting places as some people believe that on this day, the deceased will visit the living.