Clear and Bright　

九年级来源:查看次数:4发布日期:2026-05-08

   Of all the 24 solar terms, Clear and Bright¹ is the only one whose first day is also a traditional Chinese festival, Qingming Festival or Tomb-Sweeping Day. The words “clear” and “bright” describe the weather during this period. Temperatures begin to rise and rainfall increases, making it a crucial time for plowing and sowing² in the spring. 
　It is a time to remember and honor ancestors. Families visit the graves of their loved ones to sweep the tombs. They sweep the tombs, removing weeds, and adding fresh soil to the graves. This tradition shows respect and love for those who passed away. During Qingming Festival, people wear soft willow branches and place the branches on gates.
　Qingming is also called Taqing Festival, Taqing means a spring outing, when people get out and enjoy the spring blossoms. This custom can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period. Another popular activity is flying kites. People in southern China often eat qingtuan made from glutinous rice³ on Qingming.
　Clear and Bright is a time of both sadness and renewal. While people remember the past, they also look forward to the future. It teaches us to respect life, cherish family, and enjoy the beauty of spring.

Notes: 
1. 意为：清明
2. 意为：耕地播种

3. 意为：糯米