The Legend of Qingming Festival
The Origin of Qingming Festival
Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox every year. According to legend, Qingming Festival originated from the ancient Chinese kingdom of Jin in the 7th century BC, when a prince named Chong'er was forced to flee his homeland after his father's death. Chong'er hid in the forest for three years, surviving on stolen food and the kindness of strangers until he was finally able to return to his kingdom and claim his rightful throne. In gratitude for the people who had helped him during his time of need, Chong'er decreed that on the day of his father's death, people should pay their respects to their ancestors by cleaning their tombs and offering sacrifices of food and wine.
The Legend of the Willow Tree
Another legend associated with Qingming Festival is the story of Dong Yong and the willow tree. Dong Yong was a young scholar who fell in love with the daughter of a wealthy family. However, her father disapproved of the match and forced her to marry a more suitable suitor. Devastated, Dong Yong was consoled by a willow tree outside his house that he had often confided in. One day, while chopping wood, Dong Yong accidentally injured himself and was about to die when the willow tree miraculously transformed into a beautiful woman who saved his life. The woman revealed that she was the spirit of the willow tree and had fallen in love with Dong Yong because of his pure heart. The two eventually married and lived happily ever after. The willow tree was seen as a symbol of love, endurance, and perseverance, and people often visit willow trees during Qingming Festival to pay their respects to lost loved ones.
The Customs of Qingming Festival
Apart from visiting tombs and paying respects to ancestors, Qingming Festival is also a time for various outdoor activities, such as flying kites, playing tug-of-war, and eating Qingming cake, a type of steamed cake made from glutinous rice and sweetened bean paste. Another notable custom of Qingming Festival is the planting of trees, as it is believed that planting trees can not only honor the dead but also provide a better future for the living. The festival highlights the importance of family and community, and serves as a reminder to cherish life and honor those who have passed on.
