Qingming (Clear and Bright) – Spring Remembrance and Renewal
Qingming (清明), or “Clear and Bright,” is the fifth solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar. It usually arrives in early April, when spring is in full bloom and the days grow warmer. Qingming is a time when the air feels especially clear, and the natural world is fresh and lively.
The main feature of Qingming is the renewal of life in nature. Trees grow new leaves, flowers blossom, and green fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Farmers take advantage of the mild weather to plant crops and care for young plants, which is important for the year’s harvest.
Qingming is best known for its tradition of honoring ancestors. Families visit the graves of their loved ones, cleaning the tombstones and offering food, flowers, or willow branches. This respectful act is called “tomb-sweeping.” It is a moment for families to come together, remember their ancestors, and show gratitude for their roots.
There are also fun, lively customs during Qingming. People enjoy going outside for “spring outings,” walking in parks or fields to admire the green scenery. Children often play with willow branches or try to fly colorful kites in the gentle wind. Some families prepare special foods like green rice balls, made with plants from the fields.
Qingming reminds everyone to treasure both the beauty of spring and the importance of family. It is a time for remembrance, but also for enjoying nature’s rebirth.
互动练习
根据短文内容，完成下列句子。每空一词。
- Qingming is the ________ solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar.
- Families honor their ancestors by cleaning and visiting the ________.
- People like to go on spring ________ to enjoy the green scenery.
- Children play with willow branches or fly ________ during Qingming.
- A special Qingming food is green rice ________.
Word Bank 词汇集锦
- leaf /liːf/ n. 叶子
- crop /krɒp/ n. 庄稼
- willow /ˈwɪl.oʊ/ n. 柳树
- remembrance /rɪˈmem.brəns/ n. 缅怀
- blossom /ˈblɒs.əm/ v.&n. 开花
- tomb /tuːm/ n. 坟墓
- kite /kaɪt/ n. 风筝
- outing /ˈaʊ.tɪŋ/ n. 郊游
- ancestor /ˈæn.ses.tər/ n. 祖先
清明是中国农历中的第五个节气，通常在四月初到来。这时春意正浓，天气变暖，空气特别清新，自然界万物欣欣向荣。
清明最大的特点是大地万物焕发生机。树木长出新叶，鲜花绽放，田野一片碧绿。农民抓住温和的天气种植庄稼，细心照料幼苗，这对全年的收成很重要。
清明节最广为人知的习俗便是祭祖。家人会去祖先的墓地扫墓、擦拭墓碑、献上食物、鲜花或柳枝，这就是“扫墓”。这是家人团聚，缅怀祖先，表达感恩的重要时刻。
这一节气也有丰富的户外活动。人们喜欢踏青，到公园或田野间散步，欣赏春天的美景。孩子们会玩柳枝、放风筝。很多家庭还会做用田野新鲜植物制作的青团等特色美食。
清明既提醒大家珍惜春天的美丽，也提醒我们重视家族亲情。它既是纪念和思念的时节，也是享受自然新生的好时机。
✨答案
- fifth
- tombs
- outings
- kites
- balls
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