Understanding the Qingming Festival

The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a Chinese tradition that honors ancestors. It occurs 15 days after the Spring Equinox, symbolizing the arrival of spring. Families clean tombs, offer food and flowers, and sometimes burn joss paper. The festival is not strictly religious but involves prayers for blessings. Modern practices include family outings and kite flying. Qingming emphasizes respect for elders, both in life and after death, and is a day for celebrating heritage rather than mourning.

What is the Qingming Festival also known as?

• Mid-Autumn Festival

• Lantern Festival

• Tomb-Sweeping Day

• Dragon Boat Festival

When does the Qingming Festival occur?

• 15th day of the 8th lunar month

• First day of the Lunar New Year

• Winter Solstice

• 15th day after the Spring Equinox

What do families traditionally do at the tombs during Qingming Festival?

• Decorate with lanterns

• Sweep away dust and leaves

• Perform dragon dances

• Light fireworks

What is joss paper believed to be?

• Decorative paper

• Prayer scrolls

• Money for the afterlife

• Festival invitations

What is the spring outing during Qingming Festival called in Mandarin?

• tà qīng

• qīng míng

• zhōng qiū

• chūn jié

What activity is popular among children during the Qingming Festival?

• Making mooncakes

• Flying kites

• Dragon boat racing

• Lantern lighting

What is the main cultural significance of the Qingming Festival?

• Welcoming the new year

• Honoring ancestors and respecting elders

• Celebrating the harvest

• Commemorating a historical event

How is the Qingming Festival viewed in terms of mood?

• A day for remembering heritage

• A day of sadness

• A day for competition

• A day of joy

What is encouraged during the Qingming Festival?

• Traveling abroad

• Competing in sports

• Remembering one's heritage

• Forgetting the past