Tomb-sweeping Day is time when Chinese people visit the columbaria, burial grounds or graves to pray to their ancestors。 It is also an opportunity for priests to remember and honor their family members at grave sites。 People pray before the ancestors, sweep the tombs and offer food, wine and libations to the ancestors。 The rites have a long tradition in Asia, especially among farmers。 Some people carry willow branches with them on Tomb-sweeping Day or put willow branches on their gates or front doors。 They believe that willow branches help stay away the evil spirits which wanders on Tomb-sweeping Day。 On Tomb-sweeping Day, people have a family spring outing, start the spring farming, sing, and dance。 On Tomb-sweeping Day, young couples also start courting。 Another popular thing to do is to fly kites in the form of animals or characters from Beijing opera。来:自[优.尔]论,文-网www.youerw.com +QQ752018766-
Another common practice is to replace burning paper, incense, or firecrackers with flowers。 Moreover, needling and laundry are avoided during Tomb-sweeping Day and most women is not allowed to appear on the road。 It is said that dispersing a gray line in front of the gate can prevent ghosts from entering into the house in the evening before。