The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals. Here is the English translation of its origin and legends:
**Origin of Qingming Festival:**
The Qingming Festival has its roots in ancient China, with origins dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). It is believed to be a time when the living honor their ancestors and express gratitude for their blessings. The festival is traditionally held on April 4th or 5th according to the Chinese lunar calendar, which falls between late March and early April in the Gregorian calendar.
One of the legends associated with the origin of Qingming Festival is about the ancient Chinese king, Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC). According to the story, after his death, the king was buried with his treasures and concubines in the Terracotta Army. During his reign, he had strict laws against tomb desecration, but after his death, his concubines were found to have escaped and returned to their hometowns. To prevent them from ever returning, he decreed that people were allowed to visit and clean their ancestors' graves on the same day. This day eventually evolved into the Qingming Festival.
**Legends of Qingming Festival:**
1. **The Story of Jie Zitui (介子推):** This is one of the most famous legends of the Qingming Festival. According to the story, Jie Zitui was a loyal minister during the Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BC). When his master was exiled, Jie Zitui followed him into the mountains. After some time, his master ordered him to return to his family to have children, but Jie Zitui refused. Eventually, his master died, and out of respect, Jie Zitui stayed with his master's body for 100 days. When his master was finally resurrected, he rewarded Jie Zitui with a piece of meat. However, Jie Zitui did not share the meat with his master, instead eating it all himself. His master, recognizing his loyalty, ordered that the people should remember Jie Zitui by visiting their ancestors' graves on the same day.
2. **The Story of Wang Po (王婆):** This legend tells of a woman named Wang Po who had to bury her husband and child during a time of great drought. She had no food to offer during the burial, so she resorted to selling her hair and her body to pay for the graves. The Qingming Festival became a day for Wang Po to remember her family members, and she would perform rituals at their graves.
The Qingming Festival is characterized by activities such as tomb sweeping, burning incense, offering food and drinks to ancestors, and flying kites. It is a time of reflection and respect for one's ancestors, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of family and heritage in Chinese culture.
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