The Mourning Day

A drizzling rain falls like tears on the Mourning Day;

The mourner's heart is going to break on his way.

Where can a wineshop be found to drown his sad hours?

A cowherd points to a cot 'mid apricot flowers.

(Poem by Du Mu, Translation by Xu Yuanchong)

Qingming: a traditional festival

Dating from the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC), the Qingming Festival—also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day or Mourning Day—occurs 108 days after the winter solstice and has a history of 2,500 years.

At first, Qingming only referred to a solar term “Clear and Bright”; however, as time went by, it became an important time to pay respect to ancestors. It has also long been associated with a famous historical figure, Jie Zitui.

Legend has it that Jie saved a starving prince’s life by feeding him with a piece of his own leg. After the prince ascended to power as the Duke of the Jin State, all his faithful followers strived for credit, except the loyal Jie Zitui, who preferred to live a hermit’s life on a mountain. Believing that he could force Jie out, the duke set the mountain on fire. However, Jie remained in the mountain and was burnt to death. To commemorate Jie, the duke ordered all fires in every home to be put out on the anniversary of Jie's death. The resulting Cold Food Festival actually occurs on the eve of Qingming and is often considered as part of the Qingming festival. After thousands of years, it was replaced by Qingming and the legend of Jie Zitui was also incorporated as part of the history of the Qingming Festival.

What do people do on Qingming?

1. Sweeping tombs

Qingming is a day for people to care for the tombs of their relatives, friends, ancestors or others whom they respect or care. When people tend to the tombs, they also burn “spirit money” for the dead. Due to environmental concerns, more people today are choosing to bring flowers to the gravesite to avoid lighting fires.

More:

More modern ways to honor the dead on Qingming

http://english.eastday.com/Shanghai/u1ai8592547.html

2. Spring outing

Qingming is not only a time for people to worship, but also a time to have a nice spring trip. Since ancient times in China, Qingming has served as a festival for spring outings. People usually go outdoors to enjoy themselves in the stirring of spring.

More:

Zhujiajiao to adopt one-way visitor flow control for Qingming

http://english.eastday.com/Shanghai/u1ai8592667.html

Best places to check out during Qingming

http://english.eastday.com/Shanghai/u1ai8592777.html