清明节用英语怎么说 清明节的介绍

Abstract: This article introduces Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese holiday that takes place on April 4th or 5th. The article is divided into six sections including the origin and meaning of the holiday, traditional practices, modern customs, food and drink, holidays abroad, and finally, famous related poems.

Origin and Meaning

Tomb-Sweeping Day, also known as Qingming Festival, is a time to remember and honor one’s ancestors. It is believed that during this time, the natural world is at its most beautiful, making it easier for ancestors to find their way back to the living world. The holiday has been celebrated for over 2,500 years, and is held on April 4th or 5th each year, 15 days after the Spring Equinox.

According to historical records, the holiday originated from the Cold Food Festival, which was created by Duke Wen of Jin in the 7th century BC. It was a day for people to abstain from lighting fires and instead eat cold food to show their respect for Jie Zitui, a loyal official who died of starvation because he refused to betray his former lord. Later, the Cold Food Festival merged with a festival honoring ancestors, and finally became the Tomb-Sweeping Day holiday known today.

Today, Tomb-Sweeping Day is a national holiday in China, and many Chinese people choose to visit cemeteries to pay respect to their ancestors, often bringing flowers and food offerings with them.

Traditional Practices

One of the most important traditional practices during Tomb-Sweeping Day is tomb-sweeping, which involves cleaning gravesites, burning incense, and making offerings to ancestors. In addition to tomb-sweeping, many families also participate in dragon and lion dances, t’ai chi chuan, and kite flying. In some regions, people also enjoy a sweet, steamed cake called qingtuan.

Another traditional practice is to fly kites during Tomb-Sweeping Day. The kite flying custom is believed to have started during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Originally, kites were flown as a way to bring good luck and to help people communicate with the gods. Kite flying has since evolved into an art form and is enjoyed by young and old alike.

Burning incense is also an important element of Tomb-Sweeping Day. Incense is believed to purify the space and to help people communicate with the deceased. Many families light incense and bow in front of the gravesites of their ancestors as a sign of respect.

Modern Customs

In addition to traditional practices, there are some modern customs that have emerged during Tomb-Sweeping Day. One such custom is to plant trees in memory of ancestors. This is a way for families to give back to the earth and to honor their loved ones at the same time. Another modern practice is to set up online memorials for ancestors. This allows people to share stories and memories with family members from all over the world.

Families today also often choose to spend time together during Tomb-Sweeping Day. Rather than participate in traditional practices, some people choose to have a picnic or barbecue with their extended family members. This is a way to connect with one another and strengthen family bonds while still showing respect for ancestors.

Food and Drink

One of the most popular foods during Tomb-Sweeping Day is qingtuan, a type of green rice cake filled with sweet bean paste. Other traditional foods eaten during the holiday include qingtuan porridge, sweet-scented osmanthus wine, and crispy fried bread.

Sweet-scented osmanthus wine, or guihua jiu, is made by steeping sweet osmanthus flowers in rice wine. This fragrant wine is often used to toast ancestors during the tomb-sweeping process. The crispy fried bread, or jianbing, is a savory snack made from bean flour and served with a variety of fillings, including eggs and vegetables. It is a staple food during Tomb-Sweeping Day celebrations.

Holidays Abroad

Tomb-Sweeping Day is celebrated not just in China, but also in other East Asian countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. In many of these places, people also visit the graves of their ancestors and make offerings, but there are also unique traditions that have evolved over time. For example, in Taiwan, the holiday is known as the Qingming Festival, and people often fly kites and hold parades to honor their ancestors. In Malaysia, the holiday is also called Tomb-Sweeping Day, but it is celebrated with different foods and customs, such as eating sticky rice dumplings and burning paper offerings.

Famous Related Poems

One of the most famous poems related to Tomb-Sweeping Day is “Qingming” by Tang Dynasty poet Du Mu. The poem describes the beauty of the natural world during Tomb-Sweeping Day and the sadness of having to say goodbye to loved ones who have passed away.

Another famous poem is “Autumn Thoughts” by poet Huang Tingjian. The poem expresses the idea that the passing of the seasons can be seen as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death.

In conclusion, Tomb-Sweeping Day is an important holiday in Chinese culture, held to honor and remember ancestors. It is celebrated through traditional practices such as tomb-sweeping, incense burning, and kite flying, as well as modern customs like planting trees and online memorials. Food and drink also play an important role during the holiday, with tradition dishes including qingtuan and sweet-scented osmanthus wine. The holiday is celebrated not just in China, but also in other East Asian countries, and has inspired famous poems such as “Qingming” and “Autumn Thoughts.”

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