Qingming Festival is an annual Chinese event that is otherwise known as Tomb-Sweeping Day or Ancestors Day. During Qingming, Chinese family members are said to visit the graves of their loved ones and ancestors and offer rituals and clean the tombstones.
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Qingming Festival Definition and Meaning
Qingming Festival is a traditional event that is commemorated by ethnic Chinese families not only those in mainland China but also those residing in other Asian countries.
Qingming Festival is observed by visiting an ancestor’s gravesite and families engage in cleaning and offer gifts and greetings.
When Is Qingming Festival?
Qingming Festival is a Chinese spring festival that occurs every 4th, 5th, or 6th of April. This usually falls on the first day of the fifth solar term based on the Chinese lunar-solar calendar.
Qingming Festival History
Qingming Festival is said to have originated from the Hanshi Festival during the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty, roughly 2500 years ago. Wealthy Chinese families are said to hold extravagant ceremonies to honor their dead ancestors, however, Emperor Xuanzong declared that such formal ceremonies should only be held once which is on Qingming. Over the years, the festival has undergone numerous changes and it was declared a public holiday in China in 2008.
Qingming Festival Purpose, Importance
Qingming Festival is one of the most important events that reflect the long-standing tradition and culture of the Chinese people. It is a practice that has been passed down from generation that and is observed not only in mainland China but in other parts of the world.
Preserving Customs and Traditions
Visiting the cemetery, offering food, cake, and wine, and burning paper money and incense are some of the customs and traditions practiced during the Qingming Festival. It is through this holiday that the next generation is aware of such tradition and it should be fervently practiced. Thus, it should be taught and experienced by children so they would acknowledge its importance and relevance to their culture.
Honor Ancestors
Just like All Saints Day, Dia De Los Muertos of Mexico, and the Obon festival of Japan, the Qingming Festival is a significant holiday that honors one’s ancestors by paying a visit to their gravesite. And honor one’s ancestors entails cleaning their gravesite and perhaps planting flowers and trees. Also offering gifts such as food, burning paper money, and performing the kowtowing ritual are practiced as a sign of respect.
Importance of Family Ties
Qingming Festival may be the time to visit departed loved ones but it also reinforces the importance of family ties. It is the time when all family members would gather together to pay their respect and pray for their ancestors. Thus it helps strengthen the bonds between the old and new generations.
How to Create a Qingming Festival Social Media Post
Qingming Festival is considered to be one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese. And what better way to show your support and spread the word through various social media platforms?
1. Select a Qingming Festival Facebook Post template.
Start by selecting a Qingming Festival Facebook post template that you can upload during the said holiday. The template is editable and can be customized to fit your needs. Click on the Edit online button to start editing.
2. Customize the title.
Since this is a pre-designed template, you have free rein to customize and change the title. On the blue side panel, click on the Fill tab to change the text. You can also adjust the font size and color.
3. Get creative and add illustrations.
To add illustrations and images to the template, click on the Graphics tab and look for illustrations. You will find a wide variety of designs to choose from. However, if you have something specific in mind you can use the search text box as well.
4. Upload a logo.
If you are organizing a Qingming festival event you may want to add an organization or business logo to the template. To do this, click on the Logo Tab on the blue side panel to upload a logo image from your computer. But make sure that the image size does not exceed 5MB.
5. Download and upload the template.
Download the template after you have finished editing. You will find this option on the upper right side of your screen. Now you can upload your Qingming Facebook template to show your support for the said holiday.
1. Select a Qingming Festival Instagram Post template.
Instagram is another popular social media platform where you can share updates, articles, and news regarding the Qingming Festival. This Qingming Festival Instagram post template can be editable and easy to customize. Just select the Edit online button to get started.
2. Update the background color.
If you find the template’s background color too bright and want to change it to something else then select the Background tab located on the blue side panel. Aside from the color options, you can select a photo or an illustration as a background design. Or you can use the search text box to look for a specific design by typing the keywords.
3. Add more text.
You can also add more text in the template in case you want to include a meaningful poem or message to your ancestors. To do this, click on the Text tab and select Add Paragraph. You can also change the font size and color to make sure it fits the template.
4. Add a list of schedules.
If you plan to hold several ceremonies during the Qingming Festival then you can add this list to the template. Click on the Table tab and select a design that fits your requirements. You can also adjust its position and change the font size to make sure every detail fits the template.
5. Save or print the template.
After editing you have the option to save or print the template. Click on the three-dotted button on the upper right side of your screen and select your option. Now you can update your Instagram with a well-designed Qingming Festival post.
1. Choose a Qingming Festival WhatsApp Post template.
Qingming Festival is around the corner and you want everyone you know on WhatsApp to know more about the origin and facts about this significant event. So what better way to do so is by making use of this Qingming Festival WhatsApp post template that you can edit and customize? Click on the Edit online button to get started.
2. Enhance the template by adding graphic designs.
If you want to add more designs to the template, click on the Graphics Tab. Then select a vector, illustration, or stickers that fit the overall theme of your template. After selecting a design you can position the image wherever you want in the template or you can even flip it horizontally or vertically.
3. Add a heading.
To dedicate the post to a dearly departed loved one, select the Text tab and click on Add a Heading. From there you can write down the text and change its font style and size. You can also adjust its position to make sure it fits.
4. Upload your file.
You can also choose to upload your file, may it be a personal photograph or audio. You will find this option by clicking on the Uploads tab located on the blue side panel. Make sure that the file does not exceed 5MB.
5. Double-check and save the template.
Double-check your work after editing to ensure that you’ve got everything covered. To save the template, click on the three-dotted button that’s located on the upper right side corner of your screen. Now you can upload a well-crafted WhatsApp post during the Qingming Festival.
Qingming Festival Vs Diwali
Qingming Festival is one of the most important and celebrated holidays in China and for the Chinese residing in other countries since they pay tribute and respect to their ancestors by cleaning their tombstones and offering flowers, food, and wine.
Diwali which means row of lights is an important annual Hindu festival of lights that commemorates good over evil and is dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
Qingming Festival Ideas & Examples
One of the most popular Chinese festivals that have been celebrated for many years is the Qingming Festival. And there are many ways to show your respect, thoughts, and tribute through these different Qingming Festival ideas and examples.
Qingming Festival Vector Ideas and Examples
Incorporate this Qingming Festival vector into a greeting card as you celebrate this significant event with family and loved ones.
Qingming Festival Background Ideas and Examples
Decorate a poster or a magazine cover with this well-crafted Qingming Festival background template.
Qingming Festival Illustration Ideas and Examples
This Qingming Festival illustration will make a great graphic design for a blog featuring the customs of the Qingming Festival.
Qingming Festival Banner Ideas and Examples
Invite attendees to an annual Qingming Festival event with this Qingming Festival banner that can be posted on various social media websites.
Qingming Festival Poster Ideas and Examples
Teach kindergarten kids the true meaning of the Qingming Festival with this Qingming Festival poster that can be displayed all around the school.
Qingming Festival Flyer Ideas and Examples
Advertise an upcoming event with this well-designed Qingming Festival flyer that will surely attract a lot of attendees.
Qingming Festival Wallpaper Ideas and Examples
Decorate your website or design a blog with this Qingming Festival wallpaper template to show your respect for the said holiday.
Qingming Festival Drawing Ideas and Examples
This Qingming Festival drawing will make a good design for an article of clothing or any marketing paraphernalia.
Qingming Festival Clipart Ideas and Examples
This beautifully designed Qingming Festival clipart is the ideal backdrop for greeting cards and well-wishes.
Qingming Festival Wishes Ideas and Examples
Make use of this Qingming Festival wishes template to decorate and design your social media posts and email greeting cards.
Qingming Festival FAQs
What is Qingming Festival celebrated for?
The Qingming Festival is a Chinese holiday that is celebrated to honor and pay tribute to one’s ancestors by offering food and cleaning their tombstones.
How long does the Qingming Festival last?
The Qingming Festival may last up to three days.
Is Qingming Festival important?
The Qingming Festival is one of the most important traditional holidays since paying respect and reverence to one’s ancestor is significant in Chinese culture.
Why is it called Qingming Festival?
The word Qingming means pure brightness which is derived from a story about Emperor Zhonger who visited the willow tree the gravesite of his former attendant which supposedly burned down yet survived and took it as a sign from God.
What are the traditions of Qingming?
Sweeping or cleaning the gravesite, offering food and wine, burning paper money and incense, and kowtowing are one of the main traditions during the Qingming Festival.
What is the most important ritual of the Qingming Festival?
The most important ritual of the Qingming Festival is the cleaning of the gravesite since this is what this Chinese festival is known for.
What is Qingming also known as?
It is otherwise known as Tomb Sweeping Day, Ancestor’s Day, or the Pure Brightness Festival.
What should you not do during Qingming?
You cannot wear red during Qingming, and pregnant women are advised not to visit the cemetery, and not take photos in the cemetery are some of the things you should avoid doing during Qingming.
What is sacrificed during Qingming Festival?
Paper or spirit money, and replicas of material things such as cars, homes, and candles are some of the traditional sacrifices during the Qingming Festival.
Is Qingming Festival religious?
The Qingming Festival has religious ties to Buddhism which are practiced by the Chinese.
In what season is the Qingming Festival?
During the spring.
What is the history of Qingming?
The Qingming Festival originated from the Hanshi Festival that was celebrated in honor of Jie Zitui, a Chinese nobleman and a close friend of the emperor who paid tribute to the man, thus the Qingming Festival was observed to honor one’s dead ancestors.
What do people do during Qingming?
Since the Qingming Festival is considered a national holiday, families would visit their dead ancestor’s gravesites and pay their respects by cleaning and offering tributes.
What is the story of Tomb Sweeping Day?
Tomb Sweeping Day originated when Emperor Zhonger visited the gravesite of his loyal attendant to clean and sweep his tomb thus marking it as a tradition during the Qingming Festival.
What does Qingming symbolize?
The Qingming Festival symbolizes filial piety.