Cold Foods

Because Jie Zitui had been killed by a fire, it became a tradition to abstain from lighting fires on the day ofQingming, when people could only eat cold foods that had been prepared the day before. Today, the occasion for eating cold foods translates into a picnic for the family.

WillowTrees

Because Jie Zitui died embracing a willow tree, the willow is believed to have miraculous powers against evil. During theQingmingFestival, willow branches are hung on door fronts and used to sweep the tombs.

Kite-Flying

Today inChina,Qingmingis also known as an occasion for kite-flying. Kite-flying has been an old Chinese pastime. Records about the activity were mentioned as far back as 2,500 years ago. Over the centuries, people have developed kites known for their beauty.

Besides the tradition of honoring the dead, people also often fly kites on Tomb Sweeping Day. Kites can come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors, designing in the shape of swallows, geese, frogs, butterflies, peacocks, frogs, dragonflies, butterflies, crabs, bats and storks. They are even able to fashion kites with whistles.

Swinging

The common swing has offered sport to many children throughout the world. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), swinging was a designated recreation on theQingmingFestival, also known as the Clear and Bright Festival or the Tomb Sweeping Festival. Because the festival generally occurs in mid-spring, many also use the occasion for family outings.

According to the Annals of theMing Court, this day was also called Swing Festival, when swings were suspended in the Hall of Earthly Peace of theForbidden Cityand in all the residential complexes where palace ladies resided. Ladies of the imperial household wore colorful silks especially made for the occasion, and amused themselveson swings.