Do you want to visit graves during Qingming Festival?
Taboos about tomb-sweeping during the Qingming Festival
The Qingming Festival falls between April 4th and 6th every year in the Gregorian calendar. It is a traditional festival in my country, and is also the most important sacrificial festival and a day to honor the dead. kind of activity. In 2006, it was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage lists. It was officially established as a legal holiday in 2008. However, there are also some Feng Shui taboos and taboos associated with sweeping tombs during the Qingming Festival. The following Feng Shui masters will tell you about 36 Feng Shui taboos on Tomb Sweeping Day during the Qingming Festival. Don’t ignore them:
1. Qingming Festival sacrifices are filial piety to ancestors
Qingming Festival is an activity that honors the deceased. The Qingming Festival is very important. In China, or in the eyes of the Chinese, ancestor worship is bound to filial piety. If you do not participate in ancestor worship, you are an unfilial person and a person who has forgotten your ancestors.
The Qingming Festival means worshiping the mountains. Many cemeteries in Jiangnan and the south are on the mountains, so they are called worshiping the mountains. In the north, it is commonly known as tomb-sweeping
or visiting graves.
2. Are there ethnic differences in tomb-sweeping during the Qingming Festival? Tomb-sweeping during the Qingming Festival is called "respect for the times" for ancestors. It is the biggest day for ancestor worship and tomb-sweeping in our country. Therefore, most of the Han people and some ethnic minorities in my country sweep tombs during the Tomb Sweeping Day. However, Feng Shui masters remind friends that some ethnic groups also carry out similar activities on other days.
3. What is the usual procedure for sweeping tombs during the Qingming Festival?
According to custom, the order of sacrifice and sweeping is to first sweep the tomb, that is, clean the cemetery. The second is sacrifice. This procedure is very important. First, it expresses grief. Second, it is to communicate with the ancestors, because the mountains have spirits but no owners, and the ancestors have owners but no spirits. It is necessary to communicate with the ancestors. Feeling can
better capture the aura of mountains and rivers. Feng Shui master reminds friends that this is Feng Shui. When sweeping the tomb, people bring wine, food, fruit, paper money and other items to the cemetery, offer the food in front of the tomb of their loved ones, burn the paper money, put new soil on the tomb, trim the tomb, and break a few new green branches. Insert it on the grave, and press some paper money on it to let others see it and know that there are descendants of this grave, and then kowtow to worship.
Afterwards, you can sit around and have a meal and drink; you can also fly kites, or even compete with each other and engage in related activities. Women and children also need to fold some willow branches nearby and tie the removed steamed food offerings with wickers. Some people braid willow sticks into a basket shape and wear them on their heads, saying: "If you don't wear willow during the Qingming Festival, you will become a yellow dog in the next life." That is: modifying the cemetery - offering incense - serving meat - toasting - paying homage - setting off cannons to say goodbye...
4. Is the earlier the Qingming Tomb Sweeping the better?
What is involved here There are two timing issues:
First, should the tomb-sweeping be done on the Qingming Festival or at any time before or after? The sooner the better? Feng Shui masters believe that it can be done as long as it is during the Tomb Sweeping Festival. It depends on your own convenience. Of course, there are some local customs in various places, and we must respect these customs. Also, for some Feng Shui customs, there are some differences in the time between sweeping the graves of relatives who have died within a year and sweeping the graves of relatives who have died for more than a year. Feng Shui masters remind friends to abide by local customs.
Second, is the earlier the specific departure time on the day of tomb-sweeping, the better?
The answer from the Feng Shui master is that it is not necessarily the case. It depends on your own situation. It is best to do it between 5 and 7 o'clock, which is Mao hour. In the ancient calendar, it was one. Of course, it is usually not that early now, but the Feng Shui master reminds friends that it is best to complete the Qingming Mountain Worshiping Activity before three o'clock in the afternoon, because the Yang Qi has gradually faded and the Yin Qi has gradually increased. If People with low fortune can easily be haunted or harassed by evil spirits.
5. Can pregnant women visit tombs during the Qingming Festival?
Generally speaking, pregnant women should avoid mountain worship activities during the Qingming Festival. Not only that. Strictly speaking, it is best not for women to participate in such activities when they are on their period, especially during the Qingming Festival after 3 p.m.
The Feng Shui master reminds friends: Our country
is vast, and the customs of tomb-sweeping are slightly different in the north and the south. For example: in the south, children usually go to visit tomb-sweeping, while in some places in the north,
Usually daughters do not go to visit the tomb, but if they are married, they go with their husband to visit the tomb.
6. Can we worship our ancestors at home during the Qingming Festival?
The Qingming sweeping ceremony should be held in person at the cemetery, but due to various reasons, many people cannot return to their hometowns to participate in the Qingming festival.
You can also worship your ancestors at home. The method is to put food for worship on the balcony or living room at home, facing the hometown, burn three sticks of incense, bow three times, and silently recite relevant words. Then, paper money is burned to offer sacrifices. The Feng Shui master reminds friends that this is very important.
7. What kind of flowers are appropriate to buy during Qingming Festival to commemorate the deceased?
Usually chrysanthemums, because in ancient my country, chrysanthemums were regarded as flowers of sustenance and had the meaning of longing and remembrance. White chrysanthemums are the most suitable. They can also be paired with some green grass, such as lilies, green leaves, carnations, etc., to make them more beautiful. Yellow chrysanthemum is known as longevity chrysanthemum and is more suitable for visiting patients.
8. Why should you look at your forehead on the morning of Qingming Festival?
On the morning of the tomb-sweeping day, before washing up, look at your forehead in the mirror to see if there is any dark complexion. If there is, it means that
your fortune is low, so it is better to avoid tomb sweeping on that day; if you must go, you can wear jade, peach wood, etc. with you to alleviate the problem.
9. Is it necessary to fast before sweeping the tomb?
It is best to fast before sweeping the tomb: When you set out to sweep the tomb, it is best not to eat food or eat vegetarian food to show your respect for the ancestors. Human courtesy
and respect. Feng Shui masters think this is very important, but for some friends it may be necessary to aggravate themselves.
10. Can I dress casually when sweeping the tomb?
No. To respect the deceased, grave-sweepers should be solemn in their dress, thoughts, words and deeds. Generally speaking, when sweeping tombs, it is appropriate to wear dark clothes,
be neatly dressed, and look solemn.
11. Why is it necessary to offer incense to the mountain god’s land when sweeping the tomb?
When sweeping the tomb, in addition to bringing incense, candles, flowers and fruits, paper money, wine and other items as well as the ancestor’s favorite food during his lifetime Things (the amount of sacrificial gifts is optional) are placed outside the tomb, and incense candles are also lit to offer incense to the mountain god who looks after the cemetery, because the mountain god is the patron saint of the cemetery. After that, they respectfully kowtow to the ancestors, offer incense and flowers, then burn the incense sticks and make libations (that is, spilling the wine on the ground, which means toasting to the ancestors). After the ceremony, you can gather for dinner and wine, and wait for the incense candles. You can leave after clicking.
12. Why should you not laugh or curse when sweeping a grave?
Because the cemetery is the home of evil spirits, you should not step over the grave and the offerings and make loud noises, laugh or curse. Speaking obscene words,
running around, urinating everywhere, not only disrespectful to one's ancestors, but also a nuisance to nearby spirits.
13. Why should you be careful when taking photos at the cemetery of your ancestors?
In China, ancestor worship is not just about commemorating ancestors, but also obviously means worshiping and praying to the souls of the dead. Feng Shui masters especially remind friends to be cautious when taking photos at the graves of ancestors, whether it is a photo of the grave sweeper himself or a photo of the grave sweeper and the grave. It is even more taboo to take pictures of other tombs in the camera lens. Otherwise, your fortune is likely to decline and all aspects will be imbalanced. Therefore, when sweeping the graves of relatives, you should concentrate on it and do not look around, especially do not take pictures in the cemetery.
A friend said: "When I was sweeping a grave three years ago, I took a photo at the ancestor's cemetery because I didn't understand. In addition to taking a photo with the grave sweeper himself, I also took a photo with the cemetery. Other graves were also included in the shot. I want to ask the Feng Shui master, can I delete these photos to remedy the bad luck caused by this?"
The Feng Shui master thinks that except In addition to deleting or destroying these photos, it is best to burn incense at the door to get rid of bad "gas".
14. What is going on during the Qingming Festival?
"Burning baggage" and "burning baggage" are a form of paying homage to ancestors. The so-called "baggage", also known as "package", refers to the parcel sent by filial piety from the Yang world to the "underworld". The so-called "furoshiki" is a large bag made of white paper. There are two forms: one is to use a woodblock board with the Sanskrit transliteration of the "Rebirth Mantra" printed around it, and a rosette tablet printed in the middle, which is used to write the name of the deceased person who received the money, such as: "The late Mr. Zhang's family name" The words "Master Yunshan" are both a postal package and a tablet. The other type is plain furoshiki, which does not have any pattern printed on it. There is only a blue label stuck in the middle to write the name of the deceased. It can also be used as the main sign.
15. Is it taboo to visit friends and relatives during the Qingming Festival?
It is best not to visit relatives and friends on the Qingming Festival. It is better to visit the next day. Because Tomb-Sweeping Day is a special time to pay homage, it is unreasonable or unlucky to visit relatives and friends at this time. Of course, you can also invite friends and relatives to eat out
as appropriate.
16. Is it okay to get married during the Qingming Festival?
Same as above, marriage is a major event in life, so it is best to avoid getting married during the Qingming Festival. Of course, there are still many things to consider when choosing a wedding date.
17. Can I travel during the Qingming Festival?
The important activity of the Qingming Festival is to go outing. It is understandable to feel the beauty of nature when the spring is warm and the flowers are blooming. But
What needs special attention is not to go to other people's mountains to sweep more mountains! Don't say anything unlucky, let alone disrespectful to the deceased. Be cautious in activities at night. Therefore, traveling during the Qingming Festival cannot be said to be a disservice to our ancestors.
18. Can you wear red underwear during the Qingming Festival?
Generally speaking, you should avoid wearing bright red and purple clothes during the Qingming Festival. Even red underwear should be worn with caution; you should wear It is advisable to wear plain colored clothing. Of course, avoid wearing red accessories. However, Feng Shui masters remind you that if you are born in the year of your birth year, you can wear red underwear.
19. Is it important to pay attention to seniority when worshiping during the Qingming Festival?
Of course, you need to pay attention to seniority when worshiping during the Qingming Festival. The order is: father, mother, eldest son, eldest daughter, second son, second daughter... …the rest
and so on. After the worship is completed, the sacrifices have been blessed by the ancestors, so everyone can eat the sacrifices. Finally, the Feng Shui master reminds you to pay attention to fire safety and leave after the incense candles are lit.
20. Will worshiping during Qingming Festival bring yin energy home
It is difficult to explain this problem simply. Of course, we can wear some Buddha statues, amulets, peach trees, etc. In fact, Feng Shui masters believe that as long as you are kind, respect your ancestors, and respect the deceased around you, there should be no problem.
After worshiping and returning home, you can perform a brazier ceremony if necessary, which can remove the aura caused by worshiping when your fortune is low.
21. Can the wife go to sweep the grave of her husband after his death?
There is a saying: 3 years before the death of the husband, the wife cannot go to sweep the grave. This is a matter of customs. Feng Shui masters believe that only respecting local customs is enough. If there is such a custom in the local area, it is best to avoid it, otherwise it will cause a lot of psychological trouble in the future.
If there is no local custom, there is no such taboo.
22. Can I accompany my friends to visit their graves?
Due to various reasons, many people may encounter the question of whether to accompany their friends to visit their graves. For example, should my girlfriend accompany her boyfriend to visit her grave? Accompany your boss to sweep the grave, or even accompany your client to sweep the grave in the business field.
Feng Shui masters believe that it is best not for outsiders to accompany you to visit the grave, because each person’s aura is different. If it cannot be avoided, the Feng Shui master recommends that you wear Feng Shui mascots to ward off evil spirits, such as peach wood hand beads, otherwise it will violate taboos.
23. Why do people dream about their deceased ancestors before Qingming Festival
Some people always dream about their deceased relatives or friends almost every year before Qingming Festival, even before Qingming Festival. In the dream, I also
talked to him.
In fact, this clearly tells you that it’s time to visit their graves. Recently, many friends have written to Feng Shui masters saying that they dreamed of their deceased relatives.
A friend said: "Hello Feng Shui master, I have some questions to ask you. My father and my mother have been divorced for many years. I have been living with my mother and rarely see my father. However, what I didn’t expect was that my father passed away years ago. I was very unfilial and was unable to see him for the last time. “Since his death, I have been dreaming about my father more and more frequently, and I have had dreams about him talking to me. He missed me many times, and even dreamed about him rubbing his naked body against me. I don’t know why. After my mother found out, she found many people to watch for me, and then she left it alone
Something happened, but not long after, I dreamed of my dad, and I don’t know why.”
This is a dream, and you need to treat it carefully and not ignore it. You have to do everything you can do, and you can't be lazy.
24. Why you should not buy shoes during the Qingming Festival
Some people happen to have their birthdays during the Qingming Festival, so sometimes it is inevitable to buy a pair of shoes during the Qingming Festival. Don't you know that shoes are the same as "evil", so you usually don't buy shoes at this time? If necessary, buy at a staggered time. Feng Shui master reminds you to pay attention to why shoe stores celebrate Qingming Festival
You will understand if you are not happy.
If some friends accidentally buy shoes on Qingming Festival, how to solve the problem? The Feng Shui master asked these friends to wrap their shoes in red paper, leave them at the door overnight, and then burn the red paper early in the morning.
25. Should you celebrate birthdays during Qingming Festival?
Some friends happen to have birthdays on Qingming Festival, and Feng Shui masters remind you to celebrate their birthdays in advance. If it happens that the birthday of an old person falls on Qingming Festival, there will be even more taboos. For example, don't accept flowers on the day, and you can't eat the birthday cake on the same day. It is believed that in this way the longevity star will have a safe and auspicious year and live longer.
26. How to determine the specific date of Qingming Festival
The customs of different places vary in the date of Qingming Festival. Some are ten days before and ten days after Qingming Festival; some are called "before" "Three after three"; some are held on "odd" days before and after Qingming; in some places, tomb-sweeping activities last for a month.
27. Do you need to clean yourself and wash your clothes after sweeping the tombs during the Qingming Festival? Similar to the avoidance of buying shoes before the Qingming Festival, you must clean your shoes when you return from sweeping the tombs during the Qingming Festival. It is advisable to wash and dry the clothes you are wearing.
28. Why there are less entertainment activities on the Qingming Festival. Due to various reasons, friends who are unable to worship ancestors or sweep tombs during the Qingming Festival should try to have as few entertainment activities as possible on the Qingming Festival, let alone quarrels and talk. Marginal words, otherwise, you may cause trouble in the future.
29. Why can’t you cover your forehead with hair?
According to the ancients, Qingming Festival is also the “Ghost Festival”. If you need to walk at night during this period, be sure to bring protective mascots with you, such as peach wood beads. At the same time, never forget what Feng Shui masters have repeatedly said: Show your forehead and don’t cover it with hair, because that’s where your magic lamp is.
30. Can members of the same family go in groups?
Generally speaking, it is best to go to the tomb sweeping together. However, due to various reasons in modern times, members of the same family may come from all over the world due to work reasons and cannot arrange to go to the tomb sweeping on the same day. They can also go to the tomb sweeping in batches. hinder.
31. Can the same person visit the graves of two families within one year?
A friend consulted a Feng Shui master: "Can't the same person sweep the graves of two families within a year? For example, if he sweeps the grave of my grandmother, and then sweeps the grave of my husband's father (who is married) another day, is it okay?"
Actually, this situation is often encountered, and the Feng Shui master’s answer is yes, it’s okay.
32. If you are in poor health or have low energy, can you go visit the grave?
On the day of grave sweeping, if you are in poor health or have low spirits, Feng Shui masters recommend not going to the cemetery.
Because this is the time when the body and mind are weak, it is very easy for beings from the underworld to take over and cause trouble after returning home. In addition, pregnant women and children under 6 years old are also cautious about visiting graves.
33. Can you comment on other people’s graves?
When passing other people’s graves, you should respect them and be careful where you step. Do not step on other people’s graves or flowers and plants in the cemetery, or comment on other people’s graves. Otherwise, it will be regarded as blasphemy and you will be met with bad temper. If you don't go there, you'll get into trouble and go home.
34. When sweeping graves, is it necessary to sprinkle nectar on the graves and tombstones of relatives for salvation?
For friends who believe in Buddhism, it is best to sprinkle the nectar water soaked in nectar pills on the graves or tombstones of relatives when sweeping the graves, and at the same time recite the "Heart Sutra" or "The Great Compassion Mantra" or In the "Ksitigarbha Sutra", we dedicate the merits to the deceased family members who offer sacrifices to themselves, and pray that they will be free from suffering and be reborn in a good path or the bliss of the West as soon as possible, follow Amitabha in practice, develop bodhicitta, and choose to achieve Buddhahood.
35. If there are plants growing on the grave, can it be repaired?
Must be repaired! If you find damaged tombstones or plants growing on the tomb when sweeping the tomb, you should repair and clean up the unearthed plants immediately. In particular, you should not let the plants grow into trees, otherwise, it will cause serious damage to the living!
36. What should you do after sweeping the tomb?
The day after sweeping the tomb should also be serious and not joking; for friends who believe in Buddhism, it is best to recite the "Heart Sutra" or "The Great Compassion Mantra" all the way back from the tomb sweeping.
After returning home from tomb sweeping, if you feel physically and mentally tired, you should take a shower and change clothes first. Feng Shui master reminds: In the past, Feng Shui believed that stepping over the fire basin before entering the house can remove the yin energy. Therefore, you can light some firewood at the door of your home to signal it.
Okay, the 36 Qingming principles taboos mentioned by the Feng Shui master today are to help friends have a better Qingming Festival. This is because worshiping ancestors and sweeping their tombs during the Qingming Festival is a concrete manifestation of the Chinese nation's moral character of being cautious about the end and pursuing the past, adhering to family ties, and practicing filial piety. Since ancient times, sweeping tombs during Qingming Festival is not only to commemorate one's ancestors, but also to commemorate people who have made contributions to the people and done good deeds in history. Visiting the tombs of martyrs and monuments to revolutionary martyrs during the Qingming Festival has become a good form of education on revolutionary traditions.