1. The name of Qingming Festival

Tomb-Sweeping Day, also known as Grave-Sweeping Festival, Spring Outing Festival, or March Festival, occurs on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox in the lunar calendar.15Day, Gregorian calendar4moon5The Mid-Autumn Festival is an important traditional holiday of the Chinese nation, historically regarded as the second most significant celebration after the Spring Festival. In traditional society, its duration was relatively long (ranging from five or six days to over ten days, varying by region and era).)On one hand, it is a festival for tomb sweeping and commemorating departed loved ones; on the other hand, it is a time for spring outings and embracing nature. To this day, Qingming Festival remains one of the most important traditional festivals for the Chinese nation, including overseas Chinese.

2. The Origin of Qingming Festival

The Qingming Festival, also known as the Tomb-Sweeping Day, was originally a "sacrificial" ritual of emperors and nobles before common people began to follow the tradition as times evolved. Every year during Qingming, people spontaneously prepare items like paper money, incense, candles, fruits, and pastries for memorial ceremonies to express their longing for the deceased. In their leisure time, they also gather with friends for outings in the countryside to enjoy the breath of spring. As depicted in Du Mu’s poem *Qingming*—"A drizzling rain falls like tears on the Mourning Day; The mourner's heart is breaking on his way"—the verse perfectly captures the typical weather during the festival.

3. Customs of the Qingming Festival

(1) sweeping the tomb

"Filial piety is the first among all virtues," a time-honored moral principle. Tomb-sweeping during Qingming Festival is one way to embody filial piety. When this day arrives, people spontaneously visit gravesites to clean the tombstones, clear surrounding weeds, and then offer flowers as a tribute—expressing the living's remembrance and gratitude for the departed.

(2) Spring Outing

The Qingming Festival falls in April when winter fades and spring arrives, with nature bursting into vibrant life. During this time, people often choose to venture out during the holiday, enjoying the beautiful scenery and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing both body and mind to fully unwind.

In April, when the ice and snow at Jingpo Lake melt, the scenery becomes vibrant and full of life, making it an ideal time for everyone to go out and enjoy the spring.

(3) Inserting willows

During the Qingming Festival, there is a folk custom in China of inserting willow branches. Some experts believe that the tradition of inserting willow branches is to commemorate Shennong, the agricultural ancestor who "taught the people farming." In some regions, people place willow branches under their eaves to predict the weather, as reflected in the ancient saying: "Green willow twigs, rain drizzles; dry willow twigs, sunny skies."