qing ming jie






every year, without fail, i will observe this festival - qing ming jie. although i do not follow the rites, like offering food and burning incense papers, paper clothes and other paper accessories, i still find it a significant observance.

it is significant that at least once a year we are all gathered at my father's grave at kheam hock road to remember, honour and pay respect to him. everyone, including the children, would get down to the task of tidying the area and removing the weeds around the grave.

i joked with my sisters about the amount of food that they offered to my late father. they reasoned that he could share the food with his friends in the afterworld. each year, our contribution is a bouquet of flowers, which is placed at the grave site.

qing ming literally meaning clear and bright. this year, it falls on 4 april. as a matter of practicability, this occasion is extended 10 days before and after the actual day. among some dialect groups, one month is allocated.