Tomb Sweeping Day , called Qing Ming Festival in Chinese, is one of the few traditional Chinese holidays that follows the solar calendar-- typically falling on April 4, 5, or 6. Its Chinese name "Qing Ming" literally means "Clear Brightness," hinting at its importance as a celebration of Spring. On that day, Chinese visit their family graves to tend to any underbrush that has grown. Weeds are pulled, and dirt swept away, and the family will set out offerings of food and spirit money. With the passing of time, nowadays many people go to clean the surroundings of the tombs of their ancestors or relatives, burn incense and candles, and present flowers,fruit and some other sacrifice to their dearly departed in the cemetery.
The origine of Qing Ming Festival
During the Spring and Autumn period , which dates back to more than 2000 years ago, the prince of State Jin, Chong'er, decamped and suffered a lot. Jie Zitui, his famulus, followed him and cut some flesh from his own leg secretly in order to allay the Prince's hunger. Later, the Prince went back to the State Jin and became monarch, historically called Jin Wen Gong. He wanted to reward all his followers when he was in hardship. However, Jie zitui refused. He took his mother with him and retired , living in Mountain Mian. To force him out , Jin Wen Gong ordered his men to burn the mountain because he was sure Jie Zuitui would come out due to his love of his mother. He was sure Jie Zitui wouldn't let his mother die with him. But Jie Zitui didn't come out of the mountain. He and his mother were burnt, dead. Monarch regretted and felt very sad. In memory of Jie Zitui, he annouced the day when Jie Zitui died as a memorial day. Fire is forbidden on that day and people could only eat raw and cold food.
