Tomb Sweeping Day   2005-04-05

For most people in Taiwan, Tomb Sweeping Day is a time to pay their respects to their ancestors. For us waiguoren-ers (foreigners) though, it means a day without seeing kids (yes!) or making money (no!).

Following is a brief description (taken directly from a government website) of Tomb Sweeping Day.

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The Chinese respect for filial piety and careful attention to funeral rites is visibly manifested in the custom of ancestor worship. Since ancient times, a day has been designated for sweeping the tomb and honoring one's ancestors. Though different in each family, these rites are usually performed on the first few days prior to or following Ching Ming, one of the traditional solar divisions falling in early April, when the frost retreats and spring returns bringing renewal to all living things. In 1935, the government of the ROC designated Ching Ming as Tomb Sweeping Day to further heighten the significance of this occasion.

After Taiwan transformed from an agrarian- to industrial-based economy, many of the older customs were gradually neglected. Tomb Sweeping Day, however, has retained its deep meaning in modern Chinese society, as the numerous families carrying out cleaning and worship rites at cemeteries during this time will testify. The Central Government Prayer Service is also held on this day, amply evidencing the deep respect with which the Chinese view their roots.

Since most cemeteries are located on hillsides in the countryside or outskirts of town, upon completing the Tomb Sweeping Day rites, many families will take advantage of the fine spring weather by going on a family outing. These trips have become an important part of Tomb Sweeping Day as a time for families to enjoy time together.

The foods offered on Tomb Sweeping Day vary by region. In Taiwan, the most common dishes are the distinctive grave cakes and jun ping.

1. Grave Cakes
   
   Grave cakes are part of the rites during ancestor worship and cleaning of the ancestral tombs. The three most commonly used kinds of grave cakes are hung kuei cakes, fa cakes, and tsao tsai cakes.
   
   
   
   
   • Hung kuei cakes, used during deity worship, consist of an outer layer made of glutinous rice dough dyed red and imprinted by using molds with the design of a peach or a tortoise. They are filled with red bean paste or peanut powder. The most widely used type of grave cake, they may be used during many different occasions.
   
   
   
   • Fa cake, on the other hand, are made by squeezing the water from Penglai rice milk, kneading the remaining dough together with baking powder, and steaming for three to four hours. The fa cakes symbolize burgeoning wealth and thus it is extremely important that the cakes sufficiently "rise." Cakes considered to be well-risen have a bulging appearance and the lines of the turtle imprinted on its surface will be deep.
   
   
   
   • Tsao tsai cakes are also commonly used as offerings during deity worship. Their greatest distinguishing mark is that the outside of the cake is kneaded with an herb . These cakes come in both sweet and salty flavors.
   
   
   
   


2. Jun Ping
   
   Jun ping are made by placing bean sprouts, shredded carrots, bamboo, meat, and dried tofu on a thin flour wrapper, sprinkling a little peanut powder and sugar on top, and then rolling it up.

Tomb Sweeping Day combines the peoples' reverence for their ancestors and for nature and is a reaffirmation of the Chinese ethic of filial piety. Today, Tomb Sweeping Day is a time not only for worship and maintaining the tombs of ancestors, but also a tangible expression of filial respect for the teachings and virtues of forebears.

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