Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, has a rich history and various legends. Here is an English translation of its origin and stories:
The Qingming Festival, falling on April 4 or 5 according to the Chinese lunar calendar, is a traditional Chinese holiday that dates back over 2,500 years. It is primarily observed to honor deceased ancestors and to pay respects to the departed. The festival also coincides with the end of the cold winter and the beginning of spring, a time when nature begins to bloom and plants sprout.
Here are some of the legends and origins of the Qingming Festival:
1. **Tang Dynasty Story**:
According to a popular story, during the Tang Dynasty, a man named Jie Zitui was known for his loyalty and filial piety. When his mother was hungry, he carved meat from his thigh to feed her. Unfortunately, Jie Zitui didn't have a son to continue his lineage, so his descendants asked the king to help them. The king ordered a decree to provide the descendants with a son, but Jie Zitui's descendants refused. To show their gratitude, they held a ceremony to honor Jie Zitui. This tradition eventually evolved into the Qingming Festival.
2. **Tomb-Sweeping Custom**:
Another story revolves around a famous general named Wu Zetian. When she was a girl, her mother passed away, and Wu Zetian was left to take care of her own grave. It's said that every year on Qingming, she would go to her mother's grave to clean and pay her respects. Her dedication and filial piety were highly revered, and the custom of tomb-sweeping became widespread.
3. **Spring Cleaning**:
The festival is also associated with spring cleaning, as people believe that cleaning their homes and graves will help to keep their ancestors' spirits content. The act of sweeping away old things and welcoming new life is a metaphor for moving on from the previous year and looking forward to the new one.
In summary, the Qingming Festival is a time for honoring ancestors, cleaning graves, and enjoying the renewal of nature. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, and it continues to be an important holiday for many people in China and other parts of East Asia.
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