The Ching Ming Festival, also known as the “Chinese Memorial Day” or the “Tomb-Sweeping Festival,” has been observed by the Chinese for over 2500 years. The date changes every year as it follows the Chinese Lunar calendar; this year it will be held on April 4 in 2021.
On this day, most Chinese families visit their ancestors’ tombs to clean the graveyard, pray to their ancestors, and make ritual offerings. Depending on the observers’ religion, some pray to a higher deity to honor their ancestors while others may pray directly to the ancestral spirits. Take the time to visit the grave of your ancestors.