In Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and the other Chinese cultural sphere countries, we celebrate the important festivals of traditional Chinese lunar calendar, well known as Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn festival and so on. Besides, in April to June, we are celebrating the memorial day for our ancestors on “Qingming“, and the early summer day for getting away from illness on “Duanwu“. So, let me briefly introduce to you about these two special festivals!
“Qingming“, is also known as “Tomb-Sweeping Day“in English, usually it occurs around 4th or 5th April, it is nearly at the end of spring. Because Chinese people have the strong traditional family concept, so we build the tomb in the last name of family. Therefore, the focus of celebrations is sweeping tomb, burning incense to respect our ancestors and gather family into one mind. We also eat the cold food “Spring roll" for saying good-bye to spring.
"Duanwu", is often known as “Dragon Boat Festival" in English, now it occurs on 5th day of the 5th month of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. It occurs on the different day with Japanese boys' day. The origin is from China famous poet “Qu Yuan", but it also combines with the local tradition. Till now, the focus of celebrations is eating “Zongzi", racing dragon boats, and egg balancing at exactly 12:00 noon. We also hang mugwort or calamus, and drink realgar wine for getting away from illness.
Except of traditional events, the government holds creative and funny activities to let more people enjoy the festivals in recent years. But, these festivals are held on public holidays. So, most of young people choose traveling to enjoy the short and happy holidays.
Mr. Y.R. Lin