Chinese All Souls Day - Qing Ming

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After Easter Sunday, which I am sure most of the members here in the West and a vast majority of the East will know and observe, the Chinese will be observing All Souls Day tomorrow - April 5, 2010, which is also known as Qing Ming. This observance dates as far back as more than 2000 years back during the Han dynasty is a day where the Chinese will visit their ancestors' graves or columbariums to pay their respects. Qing Ming normally falls on the 5th or 6th of April, is another important date for the Chinese. In certain countries i.e. China and Taiwan, it is a national holiday. Customs include grooming grave sites or columbaria and taking walks with loved ones in the countryside. Legend has it that it began when a youth’s rude and foolish behavior resulted in the death of his mother. So he decided that henceforth he would visit her grave every year to remember what she had done for him. Sadly, it was only after her death that he remembered to cherish and love her. You may say that the loss through death brought about the much clarity and brightness "Qing Ming" needed for our lives. For Chinese who are in countries which do not observe or declare this day as a holiday, they can at anytime within 30 days from that day do it on the weekend immediately prior or after (that is if Qing Ming do not fall on a weekend). This is to avoid the heavy traffic congestion from the full attendance and gathering on the actual day. So, like me, my family actually had it yesterday since I am traveling tomorrow morning for work. It was also very busy since the actual day is not a national holiday in my country. So, after our observance at my mother's grave, we actually return to my dad's place for dinner. I am sure some Chinese families here will have different customs and rites on this day. So, I would like to invite the Chinese here to share and let others learn of this special day which is really different from the westernized All Souls Day. So, to everyone of you here, I leave the page open for you.