The Origin, History, and Legends of Qingming Festival
Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on April 4 or 5 each year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. It is an important occasion for Chinese people to honor their ancestors and pay respects to their departed loved ones.
**Origin and History:**
The Qingming Festival has a long history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It was originally a day to honor ancestors and the spirit world, with activities including sweeping tombs, offering food, and burning incense. Over time, the festival has evolved and has become more of a day for family reunions and outdoor activities.
** Legends and Myths:**
1. **The Legend of Jie Zitang:**
One of the most famous legends associated with Qingming Festival is the story of Jie Zitang. Jie Zitang was a loyal and filial son who lived during the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC). When his mother passed away, he was so grief-stricken that he became a tree, and his tears turned into the flowers of the osmanthus tree. This tree is said to have magical powers and is often associated with the Qingming Festival.
2. **The Story of Wang Gui:**
Another legend is about Wang Gui, who was a poor scholar who gave his life to save his family during a harsh winter. His parents were too weak to gather firewood, so he chopped off his own limbs to keep them warm. When he died, his parents buried him on the Qingming Festival. His selfless sacrifice became a symbol of filial piety, and people began to perform tomb-sweeping activities to honor their ancestors.
3. **The Legend of the Paper Boat:**
Some people believe that during the Qingming Festival, the spirits of the dead travel to the underworld. To help guide their way, people burn paper boats with offerings written on them, believing that the spirits will take these offerings to the afterlife.
**Activities of Qingming Festival:**
1. **Tomb Sweeping:**
This is the most important activity of the Qingming Festival. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombstones, offer food, incense, and paper money, and pay their respects.
2. **Offering Food:**
Food offerings, such as fruits, tea, and wine, are placed on the graves to honor the spirits of the ancestors.
3. **Folding Paper:**
People often fold paper into various shapes, such as paper lanterns, paper clothes, and paper shoes, to offer to the spirits of the deceased.
4. **Outdoor Activities:**
In addition to tomb-sweeping, people also enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics, playing Mahjong, and enjoying the blooming flowers and pleasant weather during the Qingming Festival.
The Qingming Festival is a time for Chinese people to remember their ancestors, express their gratitude, and continue the rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.
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