What is the Qingming Festival?

The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day is a holiday where people remember and honor the deceased. Many activities take place like burning incense and paper money, sweeping and decorating gravestones, and making qingtuan (green dumplings).

Did you know?

Qingming literally means “clear” and “bright” which is especially fitting for a holiday that is celebrated on the 15th day after the Spring equinox. While it is a holiday for celebrating those ancestors who have passed, it is also a joyful occasion for honoring one’s heritage. Many families also enjoy a tà qīng outing as part of their festivities. Tà qīng literally means “stepping on green”—in reference to the green grass people might have their picnics on.

Other cultures also have similar holidays to celebrate their ancestors, including Day of the Dead in Latin American countries, the Muyang Gadeng Festival in Malaysia, or even Halloween.

Additional Resources for your Classroom

Check out Meg’s resources for classroom teachers here, or by grade level down below!

• Grades K-3
• Grades 4-6
• Grades 7-10

Please note: watch the videos and go through the activities beforehand to make sure the content is appropriate for your students. If you consider a video is not appropriate for your class, skip the activity and select the most fitting for your class needs and interests.