The Ching Ming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival that takes place around April 4th or 5th each year. It is a time for families to honor and remember their ancestors by cleaning their graves and making offerings of food, flowers, and other items.
In addition to these traditional customs, there are also many folk activities that are associated with the Ching Ming Festival. Some of these include:
Flying kites: It is a popular tradition to fly kites during the Ching Ming Festival. The kites are often made in the shape of animals or other objects and are flown high in the sky.
Enjoying green tea: Drinking green tea is also a popular tradition during the Ching Ming Festival. The tea is said to have a refreshing and cleansing effect on the body.
Planting trees: Planting trees is another common activity during the Ching Ming Festival. This is seen as a way to honor the ancestors and to show respect for the environment.
Eating cold food: Eating cold food is a traditional custom that dates back to ancient times. It is said that this practice originated as a way to prevent the spread of disease during the warmer months.
Playing the game of cuju: Cuju is a traditional Chinese ball game that is similar to soccer. It was often played during the Ching Ming Festival as a way to honor the ancestors.
These are just a few examples of the many folk activities that are associated with the Ching Ming Festival. Each region of China may have its own unique traditions and customs, but the overall theme of honoring the ancestors and showing respect for the environment is universal.