The Sweeping Day ,one of the 24 Seasonal Division Poings,is also an ancient traditional festival in China.It falls in the third lunar month or around April 5th in the solar calendar,when the spring scene is radiant and enchanting and the air is refreshing,hence,its name.
On this day,people have the custom of sweeping the graves for their ancestor,take an outing in the countryside and wear a willow twig on the head.The Chinese have the tradition to respect the aged,and cherish the memory of their forefathers and respect them.Thus,when the day comes,every family will go to the countryside to hold a memorial ceremony at their ancestors’ tombs.People get rid of any weeds growing around the tomb,add new earth,burn incense and offer food and paper coins to show their remembrance and respect for their ancestors.This is called ‘Visiting a grave” or Sweeping a grave”
At this time,the grass of the countryside is burgeoning,willows along rivers have put forth new buds;it is fresh green everywhere,a good time for an outing.In ancient times,people used to wear willow twig in their hair at this time,because it was supposed to be able to drive away ghosts and disasters.Thus,people wear willow twigs to pray for safety and happyniess.
Today,great changes have taken plae in regard to funerals and interment.Since cremation began to be carried out and burials were abolishd,there are less and lessw graves in the fields.But in remains a custom for the Chinese to offer sacrifices to their ancestors and go for a walk in the countryside,remembering their forefathers,breathing the fresh air and appreciating the blue sky,green trees,grass and flowers.
