Clear and bright, rain falls, travelers feel melancholy
Qingming, the fifth of the twenty-four solar terms and the fifth solar term of spring. Falling on April 4-6 each year when the sun reaches 15° of ecliptic longitude, Qingming literally means "clear and bright." The name signifies that the weather is clear and clean, all things revive, and the earth presents a scene of fresh clarity and brightness.
Qingming is unique in being both a solar term and a traditional festival, embodying both natural and cultural significance. As a solar term, Qingming occurs at the transition between mid-spring and late spring, with rising temperatures and increased rainfall—an ideal time for spring planting. As a festival, Qingming carries profound cultural heritage, serving as an important occasion for ancestor veneration and tomb sweeping, while also being an excellent time for spring outings and connecting with nature.
First Aspect - Parasol Trees Begin to Bloom: White parasol flowers begin to open, displaying elegant fragrance and beauty.
Second Aspect - Field Mice Transform into Quails: Field mice retreat to their underground burrows, while sun-loving birds become active and abundant.
Third Aspect - Rainbows Begin to Appear: As rain clears and skies brighten, rainbows begin to appear in the sky.
Rest: Go to bed early and rise early, maintaining adequate sleep. Qingming brings frequent rain and moisture; take precautions against cold and dampness to prevent catching cold. Gradually increase outdoor activities and breathe fresh air.
Diet: Favor a light diet with abundant vegetables and fruits. Include shepherd's purse, spinach, Chinese yam, and white fungus. Minimize so-called "heat-generating" foods such as bamboo shoots and chicken that might trigger chronic conditions. Avoid acidic foods.
Exercise: Spring outings, kite-flying, and walking are suitable outdoor activities. Qingming is a time of bright spring scenery; taking a walk in the countryside helps course liver qi. Exercise should be gentle and fluid; avoid excessive sweating.
Emotions: Maintain a cheerful mood and avoid excessive grief. During tomb-sweeping and ancestor veneration, control your emotions to prevent deep sorrow from affecting your health. Participate more in joyful activities like spring outings.
Tomb Sweeping and Ancestor Veneration: The most important Qingming custom, where people visit ancestral graves to offer sacrifices, remove weeds, repair the earth, and burn incense and wine—expressing remembrance and respect for those who came before.
Spring Outings and Excursions: During Qingming's bright spring weather, with all things revived, it is an ideal time for countryside outings. In ancient times, people would venture into the countryside in groups to enjoy the spring scenery.
Inserting and Wearing Willow Branches: Qingming features customs of inserting and wearing willow branches. Folk tradition holds that planting willow on Qingming wards off evil spirits, with the saying "Those without willow at Qingming will see their fair faces turn white" passed down to this day.
Flying Kites: Kite-flying is a traditional Qingming custom, practiced both day and night. Small lanterns are attached to kites, called "spirit lights." Some people cut the kite string and let it float away on the wind, symbolizing the release of disease.
Eating Qing団(Green Rice Balls): In the Jiangnan region, eating qing tuan is a Qingming tradition. Made from mugwort juice and glutinous rice flour, qing tuan has a jade-green hue and fragrant aroma, serving as a signature seasonal delicacy.
Qingming is unique as the only day that is both a solar term and a traditional festival, holding a special place in Chinese traditional culture. The Qingming Festival originated in ancient times, with a history stretching back over two thousand five hundred years.
Astronomical Significance: At Qingming, the sun reaches 15° of ecliptic longitude. At this time, temperatures rise, rainfall increases, the air becomes fresh, and the earth appears clear and bright. As the historical record states: "Fifteen days after the spring equinox, when the Dipper points to the Ding position, comes Qingming. At this time all things are clean and clear, the sky is clear and bright, all things are visible—hence the name."
Festival Origins: The Qingming Festival stems from ancient spring sacrificial activities and is closely related to the Cold Food Festival. The Cold Food Festival was established to commemorate Jie Zitui, a virtuous minister of the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period; later it merged with Qingming. In 2006, Qingming was inscribed on the first batch of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
