Cheng Beng (Qing Ming)

Cheng Beng (or Qing Ming), is the Chinese equivalent to All Soul’s Day. It is the day for the “sweeping of the tomb”, a tradition observed by Chinese people around the world. Similar to the reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year, the Chinese will strive to be home to perform their filial piety duties, no matter where they have put their roots down.

The Cheng Beng Festival falls on the 15th day from the Spring Equinox, which is usually on 4th, 5th or 6th of April. This year, it falls on 4th April. However, the window to perform one’s grave sweeping duty is ten days before and ten days after the actual date. Due to work and other commitments, most families opt to go through this ritual on the Sunday just before the actual day.

As you can see, Cheng Beng is akin to Memorial Day, where besides cleaning the tomb and making offerings of favourite food, joss-sticks, candles, and various paper paraphernalia in the form of clothing, shoes, electronics, cash and gold bars placed in a treasure box, it is a time to remember, and honour, our dear departed ones.

Event: Cheng Beng (Qing Ming)
Date: 4th April, 2013

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