Yuko, yesterday in class a student asked me, "Can we actually say 'Happy Qingming Festival'?" When I heard that, I thought it was a very interesting question.

I’ve been wanting to ask that too! Because when I watch Chinese dramas, some people look very solemn when they go tomb-sweeping, but on social media some people write "Peace and health on Qingming," and others even say "Happy Qingming Festival."

Actually, Qingming Festival is very special. It is half a festival and half a solar term. In ancient times, people did not just sweep tombs; whole families would also go on spring outings and fly kites, because they did not want to miss the best time of spring.

So it is not only about sadness. I used to think Qingming Festival was just about going to cemeteries, and that the atmosphere had to be very heavy. I did not expect it to have such a springlike side too.

That’s right. So experts say that when sweeping tombs and honoring ancestors, of course you should be more solemn; but when going on outings and enjoying spring, saying "Happy Qingming Festival" is not necessarily wrong either. It depends on the occasion, and you cannot apply one rule to everything.

That reminds me of a saying: when you speak, you should consider the time and the place. If someone smiled and loudly offered cheerful greetings in front of a grave, that probably would not be very appropriate.

You understand it very well. Qingming Festival places remembrance and new life together. On the one hand, it reminds people where they come from; on the other hand, it reminds them that spring has arrived. This feeling is very much like what Chinese people often call "慎终追远".

No wonder this festival is so special. It is not simply about being happy, nor is it only about sadness. It lets people remember the past while living the present seriously. I think that is exactly what is most worth learning from Qingming Festival.