Clear Brightness Festival

Clear Brightness Festival
Date: April 4th, 5th, or 6th of the western calendar. Purpose: To honor ancestors and enjoy spring. Traditions: Clear brightness is called "quing ming" - when the outside air and light becomes pure and clear as in springtime. People go to the graves of their ancestors and clean up the area. They put little pieces of red paper that look like roof tiles on top of the tombstone. They offer food such as dumplings, oranges, meats, vegetables, cakes, and candies set out like a real meal because ancestors are believed to live in an afterworld that's like the world of the living. After these honored guests have enjoyed their meal, the real food is shared with family and friends.