Just the other day when passing the local Chinese cemetery, noticed that just a few tombs had been swept. Qīngmíng jié 清明节 Cheng Beng; otherwise known as Tomb Sweeping Day is the day the Chinese commemorate and pay respect to the ancestors. Traditionally, Chinese families visit and clean the graves of their departed ones on this day and have done so for centuries; maybe except these two years. Locally, when the Covid-19 started to wreak havoc, the cemetery became out of bound when movement were restricted and civilians were required to stay indoors. This year, strict SOP was spelt out by the authorities such as not more than six people from a family are allowed at the tomb at any one time; and prayers could only be conducted for 90 minutes. A columbrium, I heard discourages people from going, saying that the management would conduct prayers for the masses on their behalf and people could just pray from home. Many are sensible enough to heed the advice. Then, if you think that these two years Chinese are celebrating Qīngmíng jié with a difference; you ought to see this:
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