Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-04-02
This weekend people throughout the Chinese speaking world are observing a traditional
While many people mark the Qingming Festival by sweeping graves and venerating ancestors, there are other reasons to celebrate the holiday. (CNA photo)2
festival known as “Qingming”, which is also known in English as the Tombsweeping Festival.
Usually during festivals, it’s customary to wish people a “happy” festival – like “Happy Lunar New Year”. People throughout Taiwan and China will also send text message greetings on special days as well.
But this year, internet users in China have been discussing whether that’s an appropriate thing to do during the Qingming Festival, which is known for being a somber day of venerating ancestors and sweeping graves.
The Secretary-General of the China Folklore Society, Gao Wei, explained to the state-run China News Service that wishing someone a “Happy Qingming Festival” is nothing new. He said the current on-line debate demonstrates a lack of understanding about the festival. [FULL STORY]
