A day to remember
Updated:2012-03-30 16:36
(China Daily)
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Tomb Sweeping Day, or Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4th this year, is when Chinese people pay commemoration to those passed away. In the West, Memorial Day and All Souls' Day are similar occasions to this traditional Chinese festival. |
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Qingming Festival originated from Hanshi Day, literally a day with cold food only, and has a tradition stretching back more than 2,500 years.[Read more] |
In the US, Memorial Day is a day of remembering those who died while serving in the Armed Forces. It originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. |
In Europe, All Soul's Day comes from the ancient Pagan Festival of the Dead, which celebrated the Pagan belief that the souls of the dead would return for a meal with the family. |
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Traditionally, the family will offer food and drink and burn spirit money and paper replicas of material goods such as a house and servants. [Read more] |
During the Qingming Festival, people in Shanghai eat qingtuan.[Read more] In Shanxi province, buns made from wheat flour are offered at the tombs of ancestors.[Read more] |
More Chinese are opting for environment-friendly ways to pay tribute to deceased loved ones.[Read more] Some people choose paper-made Apple goods as offerings to their deceased relatives.[Read more] |
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People observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. They also fly the flag of the United States. For many Americans, the central event is attending parades held in large and small cities all over the country. |
Americans marked Memorial Day with parades, somber reflection and even a climbing expedition in a holiday infused with fresh meaning by the approaching 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.[Read more] |
An altar is prepared at home with an offering of food upon it. The offerings are beautifully arranged with flowers. A candle is lit for each soul and they are also embellished in the same way. |
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