Qingming Festival, or the Tomb-Sweeping Day is one of the Chinese Twenty-four Solar Terms. It is on April 4th or 5th of the Gregorian calendar. It is the crucial time for plowing and sowing in the spring. From that date, the temperatures begin to rise and rainfall increases. 

The Customs of Qingming Festival

Tomb Sweeping   

Cleaning the tombs and paying respect to the dead with offerings are the two important practices to remember late relatives. Weeds around the tomb are cleared away and fresh soil is added to show care for the dead. The dead person's favorite food, wine and chopsticks are offered on their tombs, along with paper money.

Spring Outing

Not only is it a day for commemorating the dead, but it is also a time for people to enjoy themselves.

As trees turn green, flowers blossom, and the sun shines brightly, everything returns to life. It is a fine time to appreciate the beauty of nature. This custom can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 – 476BC) and Warring States Period (475 – 221BC).

Flying Kites 

Flying kites is also closely associated with the Qingming Festival. 

Spring outings not only add joy to life but also promote a healthy mind and body.