The Festival of Pure Brightness, also called Tomb-sweeping Day, is the occasion for all the Chinese to honor their ancestors. As it is in early spring and usually falls around April 4, 5 or 6, it is usually breezy and drizzly. Urban dwellers prefer to go out to suburb, having a swing, flying a kite, playing cockfight, and playing a ball, etc.
Sweeping Tombs: An Ancient Custom
Sweeping tomb has been an indispensable custom since the Qin Dynasty. The Festival of Pure Brightness is not only one of the twenty-four solar terms, it is also an old traditional festival. Customs related to this festival are not eating food. The Cold Food Day is the day before the Tomb-sweeping Day. This festival is in memory of Jie Zhitui, a famous minister of the Jin State during the Spring and Autumn Period.
The Legend of Jie Zhitui
Jie Zhitui was a loyal official in the Jin State, working for Prince Chong’er. When the Jin State was in turmoil, Prince Chong’er was forced to leave for other states with his henchmen, including Jie Zhitui. On the way of exile, they underwent all kinds of hardships and difficulties. To save the starving Chong’er, Jie even cut the flesh off his own thigh and boiled for the prince. After ascending the throne, Chong’er began to forget Jie by and by. Jie was so sad that he left silently and lived in seclusion with his mother in Mianshan Mountains, Shanxi province.
Chong’er felt so guilty that he in person went to the mountains to look for Jie. For it was impossible to find him in the endless trees and hills, Chong’er ordered to set the mountain on fire so as to force Jie out. However, it was in vain. Jie refused to show up, and he and his mother were found to be dead after the fire was put out.
Hanshi Day: A Tribute to Loyalty
In memory of the loyal minister, Chong’er issued an order to make the day that Jie died, Hanshi Day, also known as Cold Food Day. Since then, on that day every year, no fire or smoke was allowed, and people eat cold food only for the whole day. It was not until the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) the practice of the festival faded away.
