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Chinese Tomb Sweeping Day
Written by Robert Vance on April 4, 2008 – 8:45 amSo today is Tomb Sweeping Day in China. I have the day off which makes me happy. No, I am not doing anything special to celebrate this traditional Chinese holiday. I am just doing what most of my Chinese co-workers are doing; taking a rest. But two years ago, I did “tag along” with some friends on their journey to a cemetery in the countryside. How would I describe the experience? Very loud. And interesting. Did I mention it was loud? Chinese people have an unholy obsession with firecrackers. And they like to set them off just as you’re walking by. I don’t think my eardrums were ever the same again after that experience. But it was rather fascinating to watch people burning paper money and toy houses. And puzzling too. Why are people who have no belief whatsoever in the afterlife trying to send their dead ancestors money and other earthly possessions? The answer eludes me but I’m sure someone out there knows the answer.
So if you were fortunate enough to have been invited to a cemetery today, I hope you brought your earplugs. Or at least your camera. According to my friends, it is perfectly ok to take pictures of the events on Tomb Sweeping Day. And watch out for stray firecrackers!
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As to whether Chinese believe in after life, their action speaking louder than words.
The fire crackers are supposed to warn off evil spirits. The burning of paper money, etc. is their way to FedEx the stuff to the underworld.
And you know why it is important to teach children about respecting the ancesstor ? It’s so that they can get the care packages when they are gone. Greed rules.
There are two tomb sweeping dates. One in spring and one in the fall. I like the fall one better. Less rain.