GEORGE TOWN: Though their loved ones may no longer be with them, memories of their lives remain vivid in the hearts of many as they gather to offer their prayers ahead of the Qing Ming (Tomb-Sweeping) festival.
Large crowds of family members and relatives converged at cemeteries and columbariums, such as at Leng How Koe Columbarium & Funeral Parlour in Paya Terubong, where some have arrived as early as 6am on Saturday (March 29).
Among them was 68-year-old housewife Winnie Lim from Farlim, who lost her husband eight years ago.
"My husband passed away suddenly from a heart attack, and we have missed him dearly ever since.
"Although time has passed, we continue to honour him by following the tradition of offering prayers and joss paper, among other rites.
"If we do not maintain these customs, I fear they may fade in the coming generations," said Lim, who was accompanied by her two daughters, aged 30 and 33.
However, Lim said she has made efforts to reduce the environmental impact of her offerings over the years.
"For the sake of the environment, I have cut back on the amount of joss paper I burn each year.
"There’s no need to burn piles of it, as what matters is the sincerity behind the gesture," she added.
While many families brought home-cooked food as offerings to their deceased loved ones, some chose to bring food in takeaway packaging.
This has led to an increase in the use of plastic bags and containers at burial sites.
However, many cemetery managers have responded by hiring additional staff to help maintain cleanliness.
The Qing Ming Festival, also known as Chinese All Souls Day or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a Chinese tradition that has been observed for over 2,500 years, during which families usually gather and pay respects to their departed loved ones.
The festival typically falls 10 days before or after the actual day, which falls on April 4 this year.
Since March, Penang has introduced a daily no-plastic-bag campaign, compelling consumers to use only reusable bags for their purchases, as part of its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
