清明节的风俗
The Customs of Tomb-sweeping Festival
Tomb sweeping Plantin
g Willow Trees
Tomb Sweeping 扫 墓
• The major custom in Tombsweeping Festival is tomb sweeping. According to folk religion, the spirits of deceased ancestors still live underground and look after the family; the tombs are said to be their houses; thus it is very important to keep the tombs clean.
介 子 推 The prince of Jin Kingdom —Chong Er The minister who save chong er’s life—jie zi tui
Chung Er had to run away from his country with his several loyal ministers.
Flying Kites 放风筝
• What makes flying kites during this festival special is that people cut the string while the kite is in the sky to let it fly free. It is said this brings good luck and that diseases can be eliminated by doing this. People fly kites not only during the day, but also at night. A string of little lanterns tied onto the kite look like shining stars, and therefore, are called "god's lanterns."
Years later, Chong Er became the King of the Jin Kingdom. He wanted to thank Jie and asked him to be his minister, but Jie refused.Jie ran away to a mountain with his mother.
people put the tribute in front of the grave and set fire on the paper money for the dead. We wish that they can get that money and live a happy life underground.
Chung Er set a fire on the mountain in which Jie lived and he wanted to let Jie to gave up, but Jie would rather die in the forest fire.
Chung Er was very sad. In order to commemorate Jie , he declared that his citizens be forbidden to set fire to cook so they had to eat cold food on that day. This is the origin of Hanshi festival. And it gradually evolved into Tomb-sweeping Festival.
After slightly sweeping the tombs, people offer food, flowers and favorites of the dead, then bow before the memorial tablet.
Spring Outing 踏青
• It is a fine time to go out and to appreciate the beautiful scenes of nature during the festival. This custom can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty and followed by each dynasty later till today.
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清明节的起源
The Origins of tomb-sweepinmn and warring states periods Developed in Tang dynasty
Continued into our own day
Planting Willow Trees 插柳
• Because Jie Zitui died embracing a willow tree, the willow is believed to have miraculous powers against evil. During the Qingming Festival, willow branches are hung on door fronts and used to sweep the tombs.
In the mountains, they lost their way and didn't get enough food. Chong Er almost starved to death.
In order to save Chung Er , a minister called Jiezi Tui cut a piece of meat from his thigh for his lord and Chung Er survived. When Chong Er later found out the truth, he was moved to tears.