Cheng Beng falls on April 5 every year. In Mandarin, it is called Qing Ming. They are the Chinese version of All Souls Day. Sometimes, Cheng Beng is also known as Qingming Festival or Tomb-Sweeping Day.

The direct translation of “cheng beng “is clean and bright.

Cheng Beng is a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox, on April 5 in the Gregorian calendar.

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Though April 5 is the actual day, Cheng Beng can be performed ten days before and ten days after the actual date.

Many activities take place at this time starting from the visit to either columbarium or graves to pray to their ancestors.

The main activity is tomb sweeping. Cleaning the tomb and paying respect with offerings of prayers, food and joss paper are the most important parts of remembering and honouring the ancestors.

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And it’s not just about cleaning the actual tombstone, but also making sure the surroundings are tidy – so weeds are cleared, headstone inscriptions refreshed and incense burned. 

Among the traditional Cheng Beng festival food include sweet green rice balls, crispy cakes, peach blossom porridge, spring onion omelet and eggs. These foods are cooked usually a day or two ahead so they can be eaten and used as offerings.

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Burning of incense, joss paper and hell money is to ensure that the ancestors are not lacking of food and money. They believe that by doing so, they send money and material goods to their ancestors. Therefore, it is common to burn joss paper during funerals, ancestors’ death anniversaries and Cheng Beng.

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These rites have a long tradition in Asia, especially among farmers. The Chinese communities in Malaysia and Singapore take this festival seriously and observe the traditions faithfully. Some of the Cheng Beng rituals and ancestral reverence in Malaysia and Singapore can be dated back to Ming and Qing dynasties.

FaveKad would like to share our memorable selection of Cheng Beng ecards so that you too can wish your loved ones and friends.