JMK Smart introduces Qingming Festival in China

As we move into a new season, I would like to take a moment to introduce one of the most significant traditional festivals in China: Qingming Festival.

Qingming, which literally means "clear and bright," falls on the 106th day after the winter solstice, usually around April 4th or 5th in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time for paying respects to our ancestors and reflecting on the past while also embracing the new beginnings of spring.

One of the most distinctive customs of Qingming Festival is tomb sweeping, where families gather to clear away debris, tidy up graves, and offer sacrifices to their ancestors. This is done as a way of showing respect and gratitude for the lives they have led. It's also a time for family reunions, as many families travel back to their ancestral homes to participate in these rituals together.

In addition to tomb sweeping, Qingming Festival is also associated with various spring activities such as hiking, flying kites, and playing ball games. These activities symbolize the rebirth and renewal of nature in the spring season.

The festival is also marked by the consumption of traditional foods, such as green-dyed boiled eggs and Qingtuan, a type of rice cake wrapped in green leaf wrappers. These foods are eaten as a way of commemorating the past and embracing the present.

Qingming Festival is not only a time for remembrance and reflection but also a celebration of life and the beauty of nature. I hope this brief introduction has provided you with a better understanding of this significant Chinese festival.

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to our continued collaboration.