Today, April 4, is the Chinese Qingming Festival

This traditional festival is also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day. It occurs annually on the 15th day after the spring equinox. 

Qingming is a time for Chinese people all over the world to honor and thank their ancestors. They observe the festival by tidying, sweeping and/or weeding the graves of their forefathers. They also burn joss paper and incense, and make food offerings at the gravesite (or columbarium, depending on where their deceased relatives reside).

According to the Chinese concept of ancestor worship, it’s important to keep your ancestors happy. The ancestors will reward you by blessing your life. 

Qingming is referenced in my novella Offerings for the Dead. Read the book for free by subscribing to my newsletter!

Two Truths and One Lie: the Answer

 

No. 3 is the lie. 

1. When I was a journalist, I attended a White House Correspondents’ Dinner that was also attended by U.S. President George W. Bush.
2. The idea for my Geomancer’s Apprentice series was sparked by the Friendship Archway in Chinatown, Washington, D.C.
3. It was my mother who lived across the street from the spirit medium. This was in Singapore. She was happy when he moved away because his rituals brought a lot of traffic to the neighborhood, and she was afraid he would lower property values.

I hope you had fun guessing the answer!