Today marks the festival of Qingming, a day on which many Chinese families who practise ancestral worship visit the graves of loved ones to keep them clean and tidy before leaving offerings for the deceased.
With pandemic restrictions largely lifted by now, it’s safe to assume many will be heading back to their respective hometowns on this important occasion in Chinese culture.
As with all festivals and rituals, however, there are certain things one should abstain from doing during this time. To commemorate the Tomb-Sweeping Festival, here are six of them.
1. Do not go after dark
The best time to visit the graves of your loved ones is from sunrise until around 3pm. If you have to go later, it’s recommended you finish by 5pm.
This is because many believe that the period after 5pm and before sunrise is when “yin” and “yang” energies intersect, making it easier for anyone with particularly bad “luck” to run into visitors from another realm.
Besides, you wouldn’t want to stay in a graveyard after dark, would you?
2. Do not dress in bright clothing
It’s a general rule that one should wear dark or plain-coloured clothing when paying respects to your ancestors. Suffice to say, clothes of a revealing nature – as well as flashy jewellery – are also a no-no.
Remember, Qingming is considered a respectful and sombre occasion and, like any other event, it’s important to dress appropriately for the situation.
In other words, leave the bright colours such as red and yellow for parties!
3. Do not take pictures
For many, Qingming is the only time of year they’ll get to “visit” their distant relatives. Living in this digital age, it might be hard to resist temptation to take a selfie or two.
What’s the taboo here? Well, there’s no guarantee that something otherworldly might show up in your photos – life isn’t a horror movie! – but it’s really best to avoid the possibility altogether and save picturetime for a more suitable occasion.
4. Do not make too much noise
While paying your respects, you should keep your voice down, and refrain from talking or laughing loudly or joking around.
It’s also a given that you should avoid making unnecessary comments about anyone or anything you see around you, lest you offend others – including those you can’t see.
Think of it this way: it’s not exactly pleasant if strangers or neighbours chat up a storm right outside your front door, is it? So, do extend the same courtesy during tomb sweeping.
5. Do not call by one’s full name
Another widely held belief is that whenever one goes into a forest, mountainous area, or other secluded locations (where graveyards are usually located), you shouldn’t call another person by their full name.
The reason behind this, apparently, is if there are spirits around, then knowing one’s full name would make it easier for them to pull pranks on the person or follow them home.
Then there’s the cautionary tale of not looking back or answering if you hear your name being called by an unfamiliar – or untraceable – source.
If you need to get your family’s attention, address them with a previously established nickname.
6. Do not go if you are sick
Those who are unwell are generally advised to stay home instead of trekking to the cemetery on this day. The same applies to the elderly, children, and pregnant women, too.
Ostensibly, these people might be more susceptible to negative energy or the effects of spirits in the area.
From a clinical perspective, though, it could be detrimental for them to be in the hot sun, or to inhale smoke or fumes from the burning of offerings.