Tomb Sweeping Day 2025
Date: April 4, 2025 (Friday)
Country: Taiwan Public Holidays
Description
Tomb Sweeping Day in Taiwan is a public holiday for remembering and honoring ancestors. Families think about the people who came before them. The day reminds people that family connections last across generations.
This holiday usually falls on April 4 or April 5. It follows the lunar solar calendar and matches a seasonal point in spring. The date helps people mark a time of renewal and reflection.
The name Qingming means clear and bright in Chinese. The words point to a time when the weather turns warmer and plants start to grow again. That sense of new life gives the day a hopeful feeling.
The holiday is important because it shows respect for family and past generations. It strengthens cultural identity and shared memory. Many people see it as a moment to pause, remember, and pass on values to younger family members.
Traditions
Families go to ancestral graves to clean and tend them. People sweep away leaves, pull weeds, wash stone surfaces and repaint faded names. Children help by carrying tools or flowers while adults scrub and arrange stones with care.
People set out food, fruit and tea on the tomb. They light incense sticks and bow or kneel to pay respect. Paper offerings are burned nearby so ancestors can receive money and goods in the afterlife. Fresh flowers are placed to brighten the site.
After rituals families often eat together near the graves. They share the food that was offered, chat and remember stories. Some families also tidy household ancestral altars, replace offerings and invite relatives to keep the tradition alive.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks and some attractions close or have shortened hours. Trains and highways get very busy before and after the day. Book transport and tickets early, and expect crowded temples and cemetery roads. Carry water and face masks for crowds.
Wear modest clothing and follow signs and staff directions. Avoid open flames and stay clear of paper burning areas for safety. Check museum and park opening hours for quieter visits. Respect local practices and enjoy nature walks or indoor attractions if outdoor sites are crowded.