清明节，中国“时年八节”之一，在仲春与暮春之交，即冬至后的第108天，通常为4月4日到6日之中的一天，是祭祖和扫墓的日子，为中国传统节日。中国汉族传统的清明节大约始于周朝，距今已有二千五百多年的历史。清明最早只是一种节气的名称，其变成纪念祖先的节日与寒食节的融入有关。
Did you know that in China there's a special day to remember the dead, commonly known as Tomb Sweeping Day?
Hello and welcome to World History Encyclopedia.
My name is Kelly and in honor of the Qingming Festival which will take place on the 4th of April, we're going to explore the legendary history of the festival and how it is celebrated today.
The Qingming Festival is held 104 days after the winter solstice and is known as the Purebright Festival, Tombsweeping Day and Ancestors Day.
For over 2,500 years this festival is a day for Chinese people to visit the tombs of their ancestors and care for and clean them, which can involve literally or figuratively sweeping them.
Both the young and the old kneel down and offer prayers to their ancestors.
People offer tea, wine, food, chopsticks or libations in honour of their ancestors and to show respect.
Stories are told of those who have passed while people make new memories with their friends and families.
In the past, people would wear soft willow branches around their necks or hang them on gates and doors in the belief that it would ward off evil wandering spirits during the Qingming Festival.
It was a time for people to start going outside and enjoying the greenery and early blossoms of spring.
