清明节
Tomb Sweeping Day (Qingming)
qīngmíng jié
Family memory and tomb cleaning associated with spring outings.
Context
Tomb Sweeping Day is located around the beginning of April. It is associated with family memory, ancestors, and tomb cleaning. The term qīngmíng can be understood as "clear and bright".
Common Practices
- Clean the family tomb.
- Offer offerings or flowers according to family customs.
- Meet as a family around the genealogical memory.
Spring Dimension
Beyond commemoration, the period is also linked to spring outings (tàqīng). This dual dimension, collected and seasonal, is characteristic of Tomb Sweeping Day.
Useful Vocabulary
- 扫墓 sǎomù : clean a tomb
- 祭祖 jìzǔ : honor ancestors
- 踏青 tàqīng : spring outing