Ching Ming or Tomb-sweeping Festival, meaning clear and bright, is related to the solar calendar. This seasonal festival marks the beginning of spring and is held on the 106th day after winter solstice and celebrated here in April. Originally held on the third day of the third Chinese lunar month, it is now held on April 5th except on leap years (when it's on April 4th).It is the day for mourning the dead, a day for Chinese families to visit our ancestors graves. It falls in early April every year and corresponds with the onset of warmer weather, the start of spring, and of family outings. This is a one-day holiday in Hong Kong for the descendants to "sweep the graves" of their ancestors. It is not a solemn occasion, but rather, a time for happy communion with the family members to show respect to their ancestors.

    Graves sweeping can also be a kind of family gathering for the Chinese people. To "sweep the graves" means to clear the graves of all the leaves and weeds and repaint the inscriptions on it. The Chinese believe that too many leaves surrounding the graves disturb the spirit of the ancestors. Then food such as fruit, rice, wine, chicken, pork, cakes etc., the favorite food of the ancestors, will be put around the grave for the spirit of the ancestors. The Chinese believe that the dead ancestors are not eating well in their afterlife. Giving them their favorite food not only shows respect for them but also brings the descendants good life and health. The Chinese believe that the spirit has power to fulfil wishes. The food is not wasted as after prayers they will be brought back and shared among the descendants. The Chinese believe that eating them brings good health. Also, paper money is burned, candles are lit and the whole family kneels to pay respect. The Chinese also believes that paper money can be consumed in heaven or hell. 
 
    In ancient China, Qingming was by no means the only time when sacrifices were made to ancestors. In fact, such ceremonies were held very frequently, about every two weeks, in addition to other important holidays and festivals. The ceremonies were so elaborate and expensive that later in 732A.D., Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty declared that respects would be formally paid at the tombs of ancestors only on the day of Qingming in order to reduce the expenses. This is a custom that continues to this date.

    Qingming is not just a day of remembrance, it is also a day to celebrate the coming of spring, often by going out for a picnic. With the coming of spring, nature wakes up, dressing the world with green grass. Everything is new, clean and fresh.