Taboos & Questions about Qingming Festival

In the Qingming Festival, when people sweep tombs to show respect for their ancestors and the deceased, there are a lot of traditional taboos to take note of.

1. Why is sacrifice referred to as worshiping mountains on Tomb-Sweeping Day?

Worshiping mountains in the festival refers to tomb sweeping because most of the graves are on the mountains in southern China. Actually, the practice of worshiping mountains is the same as visiting graves in northern China.

2. Do all of the Chinese ethnic groups sweep tombs during the Qingming Festival?

The Qingming Festival is a significant festival. There are about 25 ethnic groups which observe the Qingming Festival in China, but the ways of sacrifice and the local customs are diverse.

3. How do Chinese people sweep tombs?

According to the traditional custom, the first step of visiting a grave is cleaning the tomb; and putting some homemade dishes and flowers in the front of the tomb. Secondly, add some fresh soil, and burn incense along with paper money. Lastly, knee down or bow toward the grave.

Today, more and more people choose to observe the Qingming Festival in a more environmentally friendly and modern way. Many families replace the traditional practice of burning paper offerings with presenting flowers to express remembrance and respect for the deceased. Meanwhile, Online Memorial has become a new option, allowing people to honor their loved ones through virtual flower offerings, leaving messages, and other forms of online remembrance.

4. Is it better to sweep a tomb as early as possible?

No, generally, people visit graves anytime from 7:00 to 16:00.

5. Could people perform the sacrifice at home?

Sacrifices in the Qingming Festival are usually performed in the graveyard, but if for some reason, people cannot come back to their home town, then they set up an altar on the balcony or in the hall where they are, looking toward the direction of their hometown to burn incense.

6. What types of flowers are appropriate for sending to the deceased?

Flowers are a visual expression of love and respect. They are a means to reminiscence about the deceased. White chrysanthemums are generally used to express lamentation, and grief is demonstrated with lilies and carnations.

7. Should mourners go on a fast before visiting a grave?

It is better to keep a fast and dress decently to express respect.

8. Don’t take photos in the graveyard.

It is believed that taking the photograph of mourners or tombs will bring misfortune.

9.Are There Any Things to Avoid During a Qingming Spring Outing?

Spring outings (Taqing) are one of the most popular Qingming Festival traditions and have become a favorite seasonal activity for family trips, educational tours, and cultural travel experiences across China. When enjoying outdoor activities, visitors are encouraged to remain respectful in areas where ancestral tombs are located. Avoid making excessive noise, using inappropriate language, or disturbing local memorial customs. If your trip includes mountain areas or rural villages, it is also advisable to finish outdoor activities before nightfall and follow local guidance.

Travel Inspiration: 7-Day Guizhou Spring Outing Tour

10. What color clothes do mourners wear?

Wearing red or green and other colorful clothes is strictly taboo during the tomb sweeping. Dark colors are recommended.

11. Is it OK to accompany a friend to visit their family’s grave?

Some people may get into a situation where they have to accompany their friend to visit the grave. It is better to keep some lucky items to ward off evil, such as a walnut bracelet and something jade.

12. Do not buy shoes during the Qingming Festival.

The pronunciation of the word shoes in Chinese is a homophone with ‘evil’, so that Chinese people never buy shoes on that day.

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