Heart and Soul: Remembering our dearly departed during Qingming

"Gold" and "silver" to be offered up to deceased family members during Qingming. Photo: The Star/Low Lay Phon

In April, thousands of Chinese families will make a visit to the burial grounds of their departed family members. This is the annual Qingming or All-Souls Day which usually falls in the first week of April. It is a mark of filial piety for Chinese families to pay their respects to their ancestors with prayers and offerings of food.

Family members also take the opportunity to spruce up the burial area. This explains why Qingming is also referred to as Tomb-sweeping Day.