Qing Ming Festival

Hong Kong features many colorful events and bright festivals all round the year. Each of such festivals reflects the pride and culture of the city. The Qing Ming Festival, Hong Kong is one such fete celebrated on the 104 th day after the Winter Solstice.

This traditional Chinese festival was formulated by Duke Wen of Jin. It usually refers to the time to move out of the houses to take a delight in the new and fresh spring season which denotes vigor and energy. The blossomed flowers and sprouting of green plants fill this season with an aura of beauty and grace. But this festival has another significance too. It is the time to pay tribute to the graves of the deceased so that their souls may rest in peace. During this festival, an official public holiday is declared to observe this special day, as it is considered unlucky to conduct any official work on this particular day. Thought the schools, banks and Government offices remain closed, there is much pressure on roads, especially near graveyards.

During Qing Ming Festival, Hong Kong the Chinese people pay homage to their forefathers. The family cleans their tombs and prays before them and then put their offerings upon the tombs. The departed ancestors in turn bless the families. The people consider this festival to be of great value and significance, and observe and follow the customs with utmost dedication and care.

Journeying towards the graveyard is denoted as hang san or walking the mountain. The people take much interest and enthusiasm in cleaning the tombstone and modifying the existing inscriptions all over again in order to make them look absolutely new. Various food items and wine along with proper cutlery and crockery are kept on the grave for the spirits of the ancestors. Later on consumption of that food is believed to bring good fortune. As according to the customs, paper money is burned and candles are lighted up. The people bend on their knees or bow down to show respect to their ancestors. Some of them also put flowers and burn fireworks to scare the evil spirits away.

Hong Kong celebrates some more similar events. Feast of Hungry Ghosts, Chung Yeung, Dragon Boat Festival and Feast of Maidens are to name few of them.