The Meaning of Qingming Qingming, which means "Pure Brightness," is a traditional Chinese festival centered on honoring ancestors at their graves.

It usually falls between April 4 and April 6 and coincides with the fifth solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar.

This calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms based on the Earth's position as it orbits the sun.

These terms not only guide agricultural activities but also mark important traditional festivals.

Qingming signals the beginning of spring plowing in northern China and spring sowing in the south.

During this time, people customarily visit ancestral graves to make offerings, enjoy outdoor excursions, and fly kites, embracing both remembrance and renewal.

What People Do During Qingming In ancient China, Qingming was not the only occasion for honoring ancestors.

Such rituals were held frequently -- sometimes as often as every two weeks -- alongside other important festivals.

These ceremonies were often elaborate and required significant time and expense.

However, Qingming is more than a day of remembrance; it is also a celebration of spring.