Navigating Qingming Festival in Taiwan: Rituals, Traditions, and Modern Practices

From Traditional Tomb Sweeping to Eco-Friendly Burials, Understanding the Nuances of Ancestor Worship

As April 4th approaches, Taiwan prepares for the annual Qingming Festival, a time-honored tradition dedicated to honoring ancestors and reflecting on family heritage. This significant day sees families participating in tomb-sweeping ceremonies and offering tributes, carrying forward practices that have been observed for generations.

According to Master Ke Po-cheng, a respected feng shui and numerology expert, sharing on his Facebook, the Qingming Festival is a time for paying respect to ancestors. The festival is a time for remembering and honor the deceased family members. He provides detailed instructions for the annual rituals. He also highlights the evolution of burial practices in modern times.

The popularity of environmentally friendly burial methods, such as tree and flower burials, has increased the need to understand the differences in ancestor worship.

Understanding the Rituals

1. Traditional Burial (Earth Burial)

Traditional burial requires a tomb-sweeping ceremony, which includes clearing the tomb, removing weeds, and pressing paper (symbolizing the repair of the house). The full worship process, preparation of food, and burning of spirit money are essential.