journal queston #3

In china, we have no Halloween day, but we have Tomb-sweeping day like Halloween day to respect of the dead. But some situation is different. In America, people celebrate Halloween day very crazy. But in China, we just celebrate quite. Tomb Sweeping day is one of the few traditional Chinese holidays. That follows the solar calendar-- typically falling on April 4, 5, or 6. Its Chinese name "Qing Ming." literally means "Clear Brightness.” Tomb sweeping day is the most important springtime festival. Similar to the spring festivals of other cultures. Tomb sweeping day is also a happy occasion for outdoor activities, such as picnicking, tug-of-war, kite-flying, swinging, dancing, etc. This might be an important reason why this festival has been very popular for thousands of years. Tomb sweeping day, Chinese visit their family graves to tend to any underbrush that has grown. Weeds are pulled, and dirt swept away, and the family will set out offerings of food and spirit money. Family elders will visit the gravesite at least once a year to tend to the tombs. And we go to there take some food and paper money. The food usually consists of chicken, eggs, or other dishes a deceased ancestor was fond of. Accompanied by rice, the dishes and eating utensils are carefully arranged so as to bring good luck. Sometimes, a family will put burning incense with the offering so as to expedite the transfer of nutritious elements to the ancestors. In some parts of China, the food is then eaten by the entire family. And, also to burning paper money.