Qing Ming
The Qing Ming Festival, also known as the Clear Bright Festival or Outing Day, holds significant cultural and celestial importance in Chinese tradition. Falling on the 4th of April in 2024 at 15:02 hours, it marks the 5th solar term when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 15°, typically occurring around the 4th or 5th of April, or the 104th day after the winter solstice.
During Qing Ming, the weather turns breezy, and the skies clear, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. It's believed that the sunlight during this festival rejuvenates the spirit by dispelling old and stagnant energy, allowing for a recharge of vital energies. This auspicious time isn't merely for basking under the sun but also for the solemn tradition of tomb sweeping, a gesture of reverence and filial piety towards ancestors.
However, not everyone is encouraged to partake in tomb sweeping activities:
1. Those who are unwell or in poor health are advised against participating.
2. Pregnant women are recommended to refrain from visiting tomb sites.
3. Those whose zodiac signs clash with the day of the event are advised to choose an alternate day for their visit.
Tomb sweeping rituals are traditionally conducted before sunset, and upon leaving the site, it's customary to cleanse oneself by sweeping hands or body with a pomegranate leaf, symbolizing purification and renewal.
These are some auspicious dates for tomb sweeping:
Date | Zodiac Sign to Avoid |
28 March | Rooster |
30 March | Pig |
1 April | Ox |
2 April | Tiger |
4 April | Dragon |
6 April | Horse |
7 April | Goat |
10 April | Dog |
12 April | Rat |
14 April | Tiger |
15 April | Rabbit |
18 April | Horse |