About China blogosphere, travel, and entrepreneurship

It’s that time of the year again, when most of us head to the graves of our ancestors. I’m not one to comment on the amount of tear-shedding during this period: it is, after all, a time to think of those loved ones that are no longer with us. Heck, I sure miss my granny, but I’m pretty sure she’s happy up above knowing that her grandson’s doing well — now working with the folks at the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall.

It’s only this year, however, that the mainland authorities made Qingming, or Clear and Bright Festival, an official holiday. You get three days off to head to the tombs of your ancestors, and there are even some flights across the Straits for those who need to head on over to Taiwan.

The Chinese view their ancestors with a great deal of importance. Important to them also is the sense of family. In China — especially in more traditional circles — the notion of an extended family is core. Entire extended families used to live in many a siheyuan compound in Beijing, with the grandparents, parents and kids living all under one roof. To many, the annual family get-together is an event which everyone attends — every single member of the family.

The Chinese head to the tombs of their ancestors this time of the year to remember those who gave themselves not just their lives, but also extended the family tree. They remember those who were there, and pledge not to forget them, and to come back next year. It’s pretty solemn, and many a Chinese take the event seriously. That’s one of the values of the Chinese people — the notion that you never forget your ancestors.