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| Beijingshanghaichina » Festivals celebrated in Beijing and Shanghai » Ching Ming Festival |
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Ching Ming Festival |
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Ching Ming Festival is celebrated in the the month of April which is popularly known as “ Grave Sweeping Festival” . The Chinese families visit the graves of their forefathers to pay homage to them.
Rituals of Ching Ming Festival:
The Chinese carry paper items to the grave which they burn to offer to the soul of their forefathers and relatives . They believe that the article can reach their ancestors only if they are burned. Paper money is also burned near the grave .The Chinese families also carry incense stick to the graveyard. Chrysanthemum flower is normally given to the graves of the forefathers and relatives . The branches of willow trees are kept in the house with the belief that it will keep the evil spirits at bay . The festival is celebrated with the sole aim of paying homage to the departed forefathers .
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The sights of the fire illuminating the area near the grave yards induce a fond memory of the departed relatives and ancestors . The ambiance of the graveyard has a brooding poignancy and a fond nostalgia . This festival also offers delicacies of pig , chicken , fruits and wine to the grave of their relatives which is then savored by the family. The Chinese believe that they will be in sound health if they eat the food given to the graves of their deceased ancestors . The unwanted plants and the bushes around the grave are removed to make it spic and span . The process of removing the unwanted plants,leaves and shrubs around the grave has aptly assigned the festival the title of Grave Sweeping . The people of China pay obeisance to the departed soul of their forefathers so that they can receive the blessing from them .
The festival also celebrates the onslaught of spring which casts its invigorating and rejuvenating charm on the people.
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