Qingming Festival--Tomb Sweeping Day

Here in Beijing, we (most people) are going to have 3 days hoilday for Qingming Festival (at 5th of April). The hoilday lasts from 3th to 5th of April. Qingming Festival, also known as "Tomb Sweeping Day", it's the day for mourning the dead, a day for Chinese families to visit their ancestors's graves.





In fact, Qingming is not a solemn occasion, but rather,a time for happy communion with the family members to show respect to ancestors. It's not just a day of remembrance, it's also a day to celebrate the coming of Spring, often by going out for a picnic. With the coming of spring, nature wakes up, dressing the world with green grass. Everything is new,clean and fresh. Qing means:"clear",Ming means"bright".



Following are pictures of offerings sold in the market yesterday for the coming festival.