Qing Ming is the Chinese ritual of "Grave Sweeping Day"
It occurs two weeks after the
vernal equinox, the first week of April and
is a time for families to visit the graves of their ancestors, bring fresh flowers
remove weeds and debris, etc.
Historically it was a festival to celebrate spring and rebirth. It shares two things
with
Easter, the approximate time of year and the practice of colouring boiled eggs.
There is one other thing that takes place at Qing Ming, families bring offerings of
food to the grave, and burn
incense and
spirit money.
The story I was told by my aunt is as follows:
A family was working in their fields when they were approached by a priest
begging for food and shelter. They took him in, and before he left he told them
that the next day they must leave their home to visit the graves of their ancestors.
The family did as they were told and when they returned they found that their house
had been crushed by a boulder.
I have participated in two Qing Mings myself, but I am now 700km from the grave of
my grandfather.