Qingming Festival: Origin and traditions

The Qingming Festival is one of the 24 seasonal division points in China, falling on April 4-6 each year. This year, it falls on April 5. The temperature will rise and rainfall increases after the festival. It is the high time for spring plowing and sowing. In addition to a seasonal point to guide farm work, it is also a festival of commemoration.

Origin of Qingming festival

Qinming Festival originated from Hanshi Day (literally, Day with cold food only), a memorial day for Jie Zitui, a historical character who died in 636 BC in the Spring and Autumn Period.

It is said that in the seventh century BC during the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Xiao was the monarch of the state of Jin. His eldest son, Shen Sheng should have inherited the throne on the death of his father. But Duke Xiao had other plans. He wanted the son of his favorite concubine, Li Ji, to succeed him as the ruler of Jin.

Duke Xiao had Shen Sheng murdered and would have done the same to his second eldest son, Chong'er, but Chong'er got wind of this and fled.

For 19 long years, Chong'er and his entourage of loyal officials and servants wandered homeless, no sterangers to cold and hunger. One day, Chong 'er was too hungry and close to death. One of his most faithful followers, Jie Zitui, cut a slice of muscle from his own leg and served it to his master, thereby saving his life.

Finally in 636 BC ,Chong'er managed to take the throne that was tightfully his and took the official title of Duke Wen of the state of Jin.

After becoming the ruler of the state, Chong'er decided to reward the officials who had stayed with him through his years of wandering. But he forgot about Jie Zitui who had sacrificed the flesh of his leg. Jie Zitui was heartbroken and went away. Later Chong'er remembered Jie Zitui's sacrifice and sent people to look for him.

Eventually they found him. Chong'er went in person to apologize and ask him to return to the royal court. But Jie itui left them and went deep into the mountains, so no one could find him again. Someone advised Chong'er to set fire to the area in order to force Jie Zitui into the open, where he could be talked into returning to the comforts of life in the royal house.

Chong'er took this advice and set fire to the mountain where Jie Zitui was believed to be hiding. The fires raged for three days and Jie Zitui was found leaning against a large tree, carrying his old mother on his back. But they were already burnt to death.

Chong'er was deeply saddened by this tragedy. He ordered that a temple be built in memory of his most loyal follower. He also ordered that no fires were allowed on the anniversary of Jie Zitui's death. So people had to eat their cold food on that day, or the day of Hanshi. In addition, people began to visit Jie Zitui's tomb and pay their respects to his memory.

Traditions:

Tomb sweeping:

Tomb sweeping is the most important custom of the Qingming Festival. On the day, young and old pray before the ancestors, sweep the tombs and offer food, tea, wine, etc., to their ancestors. Therefore, the Qingming Festival is also known as the Tomb Sweeping Day in English.

Spring Outing：

Qingming is the best time for a spring outing. It is a fine time to go out and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Playing swing:

Swings are very popular amongst children and are usually found on playgrounds. As a popular custom on Tomb Sweeping Day, playing swing not only stops the chillness from eating cold food, but also develops a child’s bravery.

Kite flying:

Flying kites is also an important custom enjoyed by many people, young and old, during the Qingming Festival. In the past, people cut the string to let the kite fly freely. This custom is believed to bring good luck and eliminate diseases.

Qingming was frequently mentioned in Chinese Literature. Of these, the most famous one is probably Du Mu's poem "Qingming".

清明

(唐) 杜牧

清明时节雨纷纷，路上行人欲断魂。

借问酒家何处有？牧童遥指杏花村。

The Mourning Day

Du Mu, Tang dynasty

A drizzling rain falls like tears on the Mourning Day;

The mourner's heart is going to break on his way.

Where can a wineshop be found to drown his sad hours?

A cowherd points to a cot 'mid apicot flowers.

(Translated by Xu Yuanchong)