Qingming Festival in the eyes of foreigners

ColinSpeakman (UK)

Qingming is a sad day for those remembering lost loved ones. It has continued as China develops but that development and relocation of younger families to cities as migrant workers means the grandparents' tombs are not so easy to get to. There is also a rise in burials at sea as land shortages occur. For those who pay their respect to the deceased, there are some interesting traditions, including keeping relatives up to date with the latest technology. So families will take along an iPhone or iPad and perhaps burn a cardboard copy of one. They are likely to burn money in case the relatives need it. Of course new flowers and a general cleanup are important too.