Origins of Ching Ming
This year’s season of Ching Ming or Tomb Sweeping festival begins on April 4. Ching Ming Ching Ming is a traditional Chinese festival observed to pay homage to ancestors by cleaning their gravesites, making offerings, and paying respects. It typically occurs around April 4th or 5th of the Gregorian calendar. This tradition has been legislated by the Emperors who built majestic imperial tombstones for every dynasty.
Translated, Ching ming means “pure bright festival.” It is celebrated 15 days after the Spring Equinox which marks the day that daylight hours get longer. It is the gateway into spring, which is symbolic of fresh, new beginnings
Generally, a week before and two weeks after Ching Ming it is acceptable to honor the ancestors at the temples, gravesites, or crematoriums. It is believed that a “happy ancestor” will, in turn, bestow blessings on their living family! Chinese families will cook up good food for their ancestors and place them at the gravesites where their ancestors are buried, or at the Ancestor’s altar tables in their homes. The food offerings usually consist of chicken, eggs, rice, and other food that their ancestors were fond of. Utensils are carefully arranged according to a certain position to bring good luck.
In addition to Tomb Sweeping and honoring ancestors, the tradition of “Treading on Green” is also practiced. As the Ching Ming Festival falls during a pleasant season with warm weather and blooming flowers, it is an ideal time for outings in nature to experience the beauty of spring. Ancient Chinese believed that “Treading on Green” could help relieve stress and enhance overall well-being.
There are many traditions for honoring ancestors, and as time evolves, so do the practices. Therefore, Chinese ancestor-worshipping traditions vary in different parts of the world.
