The Qingming Festival, a cherished Chinese tradition, serves as a time for families to honor their ancestors by visiting grave sites and offering food, drinks, and flowers. Falling on April 4 this year, Qingming is also one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar, marking a joyous period to enjoy the spring and connect with nature.
Marina, a Russian student from Tsinghua University, shared her heartfelt views on the festival with CGTN. \"It's a day of connection, not just with those who have passed, but with the living as well,\" she expressed, highlighting the festival's profound emotional significance.
Marina also drew parallels between Qingming and similar traditional festivals from her hometown, emphasizing that the desire to honor and care for loved ones transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. \"As Chinese celebrate Qingming, we also embrace the beauty of spring on that day,\" she added, reflecting on the universal appreciation of nature’s renewal.
Her insights offer a glimpse into how global citizens like Marina perceive and engage with cultural practices, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation across different societies.
Reference(s):
How Gen Z sees the world: Russian student on Chinese Qingming Festival
cgtn.com
