subject: Celebrating all Souls Day In Sunny Singapore [print this page] Marked on the 5th of April each year, the Qing Ming Festival or Ching Ming Festival in Singapore pays tribute to loved ones who have passed on in a grand celebration that is stepped in Chinese tradition. A red letter day in the Chinese calendars, this intriguing festival also known as the 'Clear and Bright Festival' or "All Souls' Day" takes place on the 15th day of the spring equinox with the active participation of the entire family. Designed to serve as a day of remembrance, thanksgiving and tribute to ones ancestors, the festival is celebrated by performing age old rituals and rites in memory of the loved ones who have passed away.
It is customary for families to first tend to the graves of relatives by cleaning the area surrounding the site and lighting candles and filling the air with the aroma of burning incense sticks. Tombstones and dedications are also repaired and repainted during this time of year in preparation for the sacred event. Families then prepare a feast complete with Chinese pastries and fruits, rice and wine to take the grave as offerings for the deceased. After paying tribute to their ancestors at a home alter the families then proceed to the gravesite where they lay down the offerings and burn other paper made commodities such as cars, homes and even mobile phones at the venue. It is believed this will sustain those who have passed on while paper money is also burned at the gravesite as it is said that the currency can be used by the relatives in the afterlife.
On this day it is common to see Singaporean families of Chinese origin gather around the citys principal cemeteries and crematoriums to pay homage to their ancestors. Traditional lion dances are also a common occurrence during this one day festival which is also celebrated in other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong. One of the best places to witness this unique festival in Singapore is of course the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple down Bright Hill Road.
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