KUALA LUMPUR: An emerging trend is seeing Malaysian Chinese families visiting their ancestors’ graves during the Lunar New Year, particularly among those returning from overseas.
By combining the festival with Qing Ming, which is less than two months apart, families can save a separate trip and turn the occasion into a meaningful gathering.
Kuala Lumpur Kwong Tong Cemetery board chairman Yong Pock Yau said the trend has been noticeable for the past two years.
“We observed that some people visited the cemetery during Chinese New Year because they had returned from overseas and did not want to make another trip for Qing Ming,” he added.
As for the Tomb-Sweeping Festival, which falls on April 5 this year, Yong said Malaysia still preserves a strong tradition, with families coordinating schedules to choose a suitable day.
He said a rising number of people prefer weekdays to avoid crowds.
On offerings, Yong said families typically bring the favourite food of the departed.
After the rituals, the food is shared among family members to remember happy times together.
Some, however, leave the food behind, believing it has “lost its taste” after being “consumed”.
He urged the public to practise good hygiene and clean up leftovers to avoid bacterial growth or environmental problems.
For student Kokoro Lai, 17, Qing Ming is a day for family reunion even though not every relative attends.
“This is like a reunion, and I’m always fascinated by the stories about my ancestors shared by all relatives.
“I come every year with my family since I was a child. This is a value my parents have instilled in me,” she said.
Housewife Agnes Chan, 50, visited her father’s grave with her two daughters, aged 23 and 26.
She said she had not missed Qing Ming for 30 years.
“I hope my children will carry on this tradition and understand the importance of remembering our ancestors.
“We always bring the dishes my father liked to eat. We leave the food at the grave for a while, then take the fruits home to share,” she said.
A Nirvana Asia spokesperson said some people have taken advantage of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri break and school holiday to pay respects.
This has contributed to a bigger early crowd this year compared to last year.
