I'm sure you've all heard of this poem, right? A drizzling rain falls like tears on the Tomb-Sweeping Day; The mourner's heart is going to break on his way. Where can a wineshop be found to drown his sad hours? A cowherd points to a cot 'mid apricot flowers. The poet Du Mu used his brush to outline to us the scene of Qing Ming thousands of years ago, what is Qing Ming like now? Come and see with me.
相信大家一定都听过这首诗吧？“清明时节雨纷纷，路上行人欲断魂。借问酒家何处有？牧童遥指杏花村。(许渊冲 译) ”诗人杜牧用他的笔触向我们勾勒出几千年前清明的景象，那现在的清明又是什么样子的呢？快来和我看看吧。
"Qing Ming" is the fifth of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms, and the only one among them that coincides with the traditional festival "Tomb-Sweeping Day". The words "Qing" and "Ming" describe the weather during this period. Temperatures begin to rise and rainfall increases, making it a crucial time for plowing and sowing in the spring. The festival therefore has a close relationship with agriculture. However, it is not only a seasonal symbol; it is also a day of paying respect to the dead, a spring outing, and other activities.
“清明”是中国传统二十四节气中的第五个节气，也是诸多节气中唯一一个与传统节日“清明节”重合的节气。“清明”一词中的“清”和“明”是用来描述这段时期的天气状况的。温度上升和降雨增多，这段时间成为春季耕作和播种的关键期。因此，这个节日与农业有着密切的关系。然而，它不仅是一个季节的象征;这一天人们还会祭拜逝者，去春游以及进行其他活动。
The tradition of worshiping ancestors dates back to ancient times and continues to have a significant impact in modern society. People pay their respects to the deceased by sweeping the graves and making offerings. Weeds around the tomb are cleared away and fresh soil is added to show care for the dead. The dead person's favorite food, wine, and chopsticks are offered on their tombs, along with paper money.
清明祭祖的传统可以追溯到古代，该传统不断延续，在现代社会也有着举足轻重的影响。人们通过扫墓和献上供品对逝者表示敬意。为表示对逝者的关怀，墓边的杂草被清除并盖上新鲜的土壤。逝者最喜欢的食物、酒和筷子连同纸钱一起被供奉在墓边。
In addition to ancestor worship, the Qing Ming is also a good time for spring excursions. As trees turn green, flowers blossom, and the sun shines brightly, everything returns to life. It is a fine time to appreciate the beauty of nature. Flying kites is an activity favored by many people during the Tomb-Sweeping Day. Kites are not only flown during the daytime but also in the evening. What makes flying kites during this day special is that people cut the string while the kite is in the sky to let it fly free. It is said this brings good luck and that diseases can be eliminated by doing this.
清明时节除了祭祖，也是春游的好时光。此时正是草木复苏，百花齐放，阳光普照，万物焕发生机之际，也是欣赏自然之美的大好时机。放风筝是清明期间许多人喜爱的活动。风筝不仅在白天放，晚上也放。在这一天放风筝的特别之处在于，人们会在风筝在空中的时候剪断风筝线，让它自由飞翔。据说这样做能带来好运，还能消除疾病。
All in all, Qing Ming is a unique festival, with the sadness of remembering the deceased and the joy that comes with a spring trip.
总而言之，清明是一个独特的节气，既有对逝者怀念的悲伤，也有踏青春游带来的欢乐。
Author: Zhao Xiuran
Date: April 4, 2023
