Qingming Festival 2023

Gregorian Date

April 5, 2023

Lunar Date

-2/15

Day of Week

Wednesday

Year of the Rabbit·View 2023 Chinese Calendar

History & Cultural Origins

Qingming Festival (清明节 / Tomb-Sweeping Day) combines an ancient solar term with the Cold Food (Hanshi) custom. Folk tradition links Hanshi to Jie Zitui, a loyal official of the Spring and Autumn state of Jin. In 732 CE, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang limited formal tomb rites to around Qingming, helping merge ancestor veneration, tomb sweeping, and spring outings into the festival known today.

Meaning

Qingming Festival (清明节/清明節), also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is both a solar term and a traditional festival. It is a time to honor ancestors and deceased family members.

Customs & Traditions

Families visit the graves of their ancestors, clean tombstones, offer food and incense, and burn joss paper. It is also a time for spring outings (踏青) and flying kites.

A major holiday in China and Taiwan, with similar observances in Vietnam, Korea, and the Chinese diaspora.

Traditional Foods

Qingtuan (green glutinous rice balls), cold foods

Myths & Legends

Derived from the Cold Food Festival commemorating Jie Zitui, a loyal man who died in a fire.

Taboos & Things to Avoid

Do not visit friends or relatives, do not wear bright colors.

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