Title: The Origin and Legends of the Chinese Tomb-Sweeping Day
Introduction:
Tomb-Sweeping Day, also known as Qingming Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that commemorates the ancestors and is celebrated annually. It falls on April 4th or 5th according to the lunar calendar. This handout will explore the origin and legends of this significant festival.
1. Origin of Tomb-Sweeping Day
The Tomb-Sweeping Day originated from ancient Chinese customs of honoring the deceased. In ancient times, people believed that the spirits of the deceased would visit their graves during this period. Thus, they would clean and adorn the graves to show respect for their ancestors.
2. Historical Background
The practice of Tomb-Sweeping Day dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). However, it was not until the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) that the festival became a widespread custom.
3. Legends of Tomb-Sweeping Day
There are various legends associated with the festival. One of the most famous is the story of Jie Zitui. According to the tale, Jie Zitui was a loyal minister who gave up his life for the king. In remembrance, the king ordered that Jie Zitui's descendants would be exempt from taxes and Tribute during the Qingming Festival.
Another legend is about Qu Yuan, a statesman and poet from the Warring States period. Qu Yuan was exiled for opposing corruption and tyranny in the government. In despair, he drowned himself in the Miluo River. Local people, in memory of him, threw rice into the river to prevent fish from eating his body. They also built a pagoda to mark his drowning spot. Since then, the custom of eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) has been associated with Tomb-Sweeping Day.
4. customs and Activities
During the Qingming Festival, people usually follow these customs and activities:
- Sweep and adorn graves: Clean the graves, remove weeds, and put fresh flowers, joss sticks, and paper offerings.
- Memorial rituals: Burn incense, offer food, and pray for the ancestors.
- Flying kites: Flying kites is another traditional activity that symbolizes the release of grief and bad luck.
- Planting willows: It is believed that planting willows can bring good luck to the ancestors.
Conclusion:
Tomb-Sweeping Day, or Qingming Festival, is a significant traditional Chinese festival that honors ancestors and pays tribute to their memory. Through various customs and activities, people express their love and respect for their forebears. This festival is not only a time to remember the past but also to cherish the present and look forward to the future.
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