Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival which takes place on the 4th or 5th of April each year. It is a day to remember and honor one's ancestors at grave sites. During Qingming, Chinese families visit the tombs of their ancestors to clean the grave sites, pray to their ancestors, and make ritual offerings. The holiday's observation indicates a tradition of filial piety.
The Qingming Festival has been observed by the Chinese for over 2500 years. It was established by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang in 732, as a fusion of three traditions that include cold food, tomb-sweeping and spring outings. It became a public holiday in mainland China in 2008. Indeed, Qingming Festival is not only a time for commemorating the dead, but it is also a celebration of life, as it involves family reunions, and heralds the arrival of spring.
During the Qingming Festival, apart from tomb sweeping and food and spirit offerings, people also enjoy outdoor activities, that is what the term 'spring outings' refer to. Many fly kites—both in the day and evening hours. In the evening, little lanterns are tied to the kite or to the string that holds the kite, which makes them look like twinkling stars. Also, this festival is when young couples traditionally start courting. Overall, the Qingming Festival is a unique Chinese holiday that signifies respect for the departed, the celebration of life and the changing of the seasons.