【Answer to Win Gift】Celebrating Ancestral Roots: Tomb-Sweeping Day in Taiwan

Celebrating Ancestral Roots: Tomb-Sweeping Day in Taiwan

    If we think of April, one specific day comes to mind. Tomb-Sweeping Day is a cherished occasion deeply rooted in Chinese culture and history. Observed on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox, usually falling in early April, it is a time when families gather to pay respects to their ancestors. This tradition dates back over 2,500 years to the Zhou Dynasty, emphasizing the importance of filial piety and remembrance of one's roots.

   During this day, Taiwanese families unite to clean the gravesites of their ancestors, offer symbolic items such as food, incense, and paper money, and perform rituals to honor and remember those who have passed. According to the convention, foods should be served cold. Traditional dishes include sweet green rice balls, peach blossom porridge, crispy cakes, and eggs, all prepared a day ahead. In recent years, Tomb-Sweeping Day in Taiwan has also seen a blend of traditional and modern practices. Some families opt for digital offerings, using apps to send virtual gifts to their ancestors' online memorials. This fusion of ancient customs with contemporary technology reflects Taiwan's dynamic cultural landscape.

Furthermore, it's important to note the taboos of Tomb-Sweeping Day in Taiwan, as respect holds significant importance in Chinese culture. People should wear clothes in neutral tones and avoid bright colors when sweeping graves. Moreover, a respectful attitude is necessary when helping to clean tombstones.

   Overall, Tomb-Sweeping Day in Taiwan stands as a deep reminder of the importance of honoring the past while embracing the present.

慶祝祖根： 台灣的清明節

 提到四月，我們會想到一個特別的日子。清明節是一個深深植根於中國文化和歷史的節日。清明節在春分後的第十五天，通常在四月初，是家人聚在一起祭拜祖先的日子。此傳統可追溯至 2,500 多年前的周朝，強調孝道和懷念祖先的重要性。

在這一天，台灣家庭團結一致，為祖先掃墓，供奉食物、香和紙錢等象徵性物品，並進行祭祀儀式，以紀念和緬懷逝者。根據慣例，食物應冷食。傳統菜餚包括甜綠飯團、桃花粥、酥餅和雞蛋，這些都是提前一天準備好的。近年來，台灣的清明節也出現了傳統與現代融合的趨勢。有些家庭選擇數位祭品，使用應用程式將虛擬禮物寄到祖先的線上紀念館。這種古老習俗與現代科技的融合，反映出台灣充滿活力的文化面貌。
 

此外，值得注意的是台灣清明節的禁忌，因為尊重在中華文化中佔有重要地位。掃墓時應穿著中性色調的衣服，避免鮮豔的顏色。此外，在幫忙清掃墓碑時，態度也必須恭敬。

  總的來說，台灣的清明節深深地提醒我們，在尊重過去的同時，也要擁抱現在。

List of Vocabulary - Learn New Words：

1. Spring Equinox (n.) 春分

2. filial piety (n.) 孝順

3. opt for (phr.) 選擇

4. contemporary (adj.) 當代

Source: Wikipedia、TheCenter

Answer to win gift:

Q： What leaves a lasting impression on you about Tomb-Sweeping Day? We'd love to hear your reflections on the customs and traditions of Tomb-Sweeping Day.

Please share your insights with at least 50 words. Please do not copy words from the paragraphs.

答題贏大禮:

問： 清明節給您留下了什麼深刻的印象？我們很想聽聽您對清明節風俗習慣的看法。

請以至少 50 個字分享您的見解。請勿複製段落中的字句。

Please submit your answer to the google form https://reurl.cc/13d6Yp

Please submit your answer by the end of April.

The top three students who provide appropriate answers will receive a gift.

The result will be announced next month on the college website of Wenzao.  

The gifts for the non-Wenzaorians will be sent to your college and will be notified by email.

請於四月底前提交答案。

提供適當答案的前三名學生將獲贈禮品一份。

結果將於下月在文藻學院網站上公佈。 

非文藻學生的禮物將會寄到您的學院，並會以電子郵件通知。