In modern China, the Qingming Festival is a time for people to pay their respects to their ancestors by cleaning their tombs and offering food and other sacrifice items. But did you know that the festival has a long and fascinating history that dates back over 2,500 years? In this article, we'll explore the origins of Qingming Festival and how it evolved into the modern celebration we know today.
Qingming Festival has its roots in ancient China, during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE), when people would go to great lengths to honor their deceased ancestors. This was also a time when people believed in the concept of "filial piety," or the duty to respect and care for one's parents and ancestors. It was customary for people to offer food and other sacrifice items to their ancestors in the hope that they would bless and protect the living.
Over time, this tradition evolved into the sweeping of ancestors' tombs to show respect and keep the burial sites clean and tidy. This practice was first recorded during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE –220 CE) and is still carried out to this day during Qingming Festival.
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), Qingming Festival became something of a cultural event. People would fly kites, recite poems, and indulge in other forms of leisure activities to celebrate the coming of spring and the renewal of life. The festival also became a time for people to gather with friends and family to enjoy each other's company.
During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), the festival took on even more importance, with the introduction of special foods and drinks specific to the occasion. People would eat qingtuan, a type of green cake made with glutinous rice flour and mugwort, and drink cold pure tea called Shangqing, to complement the warm spring weather.
In modern China, the focus of Qingming Festival has shifted primarily to ancestor worship and tomb sweeping. It has become a solemn and respectful event, with many people traveling long distances to visit their ancestors' tombs and pay their respects. The holiday is now a national holiday in China, and many businesses and shops close during this time to honor the occasion.
However, the holiday has not lost all its festive roots. It is still common for people to enjoy spending time with family and friends, enjoying traditional foods and drinks, and taking part in other leisure activities.
The Qingming Festival has a long and rich history, with traditions and practices that have evolved over thousands of years. From its humble beginnings as a simple ancestor-worshiping event, it has become a national holiday and cultural icon of China, a time for reflection, family, and celebration. We hope this article has helped you better understand the origins and significance of Qingming Festival and why it is celebrated in modern China.
