Held on the 5th of April each year, Singapore's commemoration of the sacred Qing Ming Festival is a celebration that pays homage to ancestors and family members who have passed on. A unique combination of celebratory and reverent customs, the Qing Ming or All Souls Day festival sees the island's Chinese community observe this red letter day with a variety of rituals that date back centuries. As a centuries old festival with its own unique traditions and customs, this annual event that is devoted to honouring one's ancestors is a must-see cultural attribute of the island's Chinese community and their proud heritage.
With a history that dates back nearly 2500 years, the Qingming or 'Clear and Bright' festival has its origins in the Tang dynasty during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong. It is believed that many of the affluent families in China were performing elaborate celebrations to honor their ancestors throughout the year and the Qing Ming Festival was introduced to limit these celebrations to once a year and make the practice of paying respects to the deceased a national ritual.
Reserving special place in the core of Chinese culture, it is truly astounding that this practice has continued among Asia's Chinese communities for over two millenniums.
The special rites performed on the festival date include the cleaning of gravestones and surrounding area in the cemetery as well as refurbishing and repainting old headstones and dedications in preparation for the festival.
The day begins with early morning prayers at the home alter of Chinese residents. Family members are also known to burn joss sticks and other incense at the gravesite while candles are also lit in homage. Paper replicas of cash notes, cars, mobile phones and houses are also burned at the site as it is believed that those who have passed on require such commodities in the afterlife as well.
Food items are also laid out as offerings to ancestors during the occasion which is observed in crematoriums, temples and cemeteries across the island nation. The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple down Bright Hill Road is a hotbed of activity on the festival date which is declared a public holiday in neighbouring Taiwan and Hong Kong as well.
Guests who have yet to make a Singapore hotel reservation for their holiday in the tropical metropolis should consider the Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore among the best pick hotels on the island. Ideally situated in the heart of the city with a riverside location, this stunning Singapore 4 star hotel is also just a kilometre away from Clarke Quay and Chinatown.
With a history that dates back nearly 2500 years, the Qingming or 'Clear and Bright' festival has its origins in the Tang dynasty during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong. It is believed that many of the affluent families in China were performing elaborate celebrations to honor their ancestors throughout the year and the Qing Ming Festival was introduced to limit these celebrations to once a year and make the practice of paying respects to the deceased a national ritual.
Reserving special place in the core of Chinese culture, it is truly astounding that this practice has continued among Asia's Chinese communities for over two millenniums.
The special rites performed on the festival date include the cleaning of gravestones and surrounding area in the cemetery as well as refurbishing and repainting old headstones and dedications in preparation for the festival.
The day begins with early morning prayers at the home alter of Chinese residents. Family members are also known to burn joss sticks and other incense at the gravesite while candles are also lit in homage. Paper replicas of cash notes, cars, mobile phones and houses are also burned at the site as it is believed that those who have passed on require such commodities in the afterlife as well.
Food items are also laid out as offerings to ancestors during the occasion which is observed in crematoriums, temples and cemeteries across the island nation. The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple down Bright Hill Road is a hotbed of activity on the festival date which is declared a public holiday in neighbouring Taiwan and Hong Kong as well.
Guests who have yet to make a Singapore hotel reservation for their holiday in the tropical metropolis should consider the Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore among the best pick hotels on the island. Ideally situated in the heart of the city with a riverside location, this stunning Singapore 4 star hotel is also just a kilometre away from Clarke Quay and Chinatown.