The cultural beauty of Thanh Minh Festival

As the weather changes to late spring, the air becomes clear and warm, and people turn their thoughts towards the Qingming Festival.

Qingming Festival is an occasion for descendants to return home, remembering their roots and ancestors.

Returning to the past and the present

This year, the Qingming Festival begins on April 5th and lasts until April 20th, before transitioning to the Grain Rain Festival. The Qingming Festival (the first day of the Qingming period) falls on Sunday, February 18th of the lunar calendar.

The fact that the main Qingming Festival in 2026 falls on a Sunday is considered a favorable condition in terms of timing. Families, especially those working far from home, can proactively arrange to return to their hometowns to visit ancestral graves and reunite with family without affecting their work schedules.

Every year during the Qingming Festival, the small paths leading to the fields in the village cemeteries are bustling with activity. People carry hoes, fetch water, and hold bundles of incense and fruit… all heading towards the graves of their ancestors. The atmosphere is both solemn and warm.

At this time, Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa's family (65 years old, originally from Phu Thai commune, now living in Hanoi ) said: "No matter how far away we work or how busy we are, every year around this time, the children and grandchildren in my family try to gather back in our hometown. It's not only to clean the graves of our grandparents and ancestors, but also an opportunity to remind each other of our roots and those who gave us life and raised us."

According to Mr. Hoa, Thanh Minh Festival is a "thread" that connects generations. Stories about grandparents and ancestors are recounted alongside fragrant incense, helping the younger generation understand their families better.

In many localities in Hai Phong , the custom of visiting graves during Thanh Minh (Qingming Festival) is still preserved almost intact by the people. From clearing weeds and rebuilding the graves to preparing offerings, everything is done meticulously, showing reverence.

Ms. Pham Thi Lan, a worker at Dai An Industrial Park, said: “I work far from home all year, only getting to return to my hometown a few times. But I absolutely must go back for Thanh Minh (Qingming Festival). I want my children to be able to participate directly, so that they understand that they have roots, that they have grandparents and ancestors.”

Ms. Lan believes that in modern life, without occasions like Thanh Minh (Qingming Festival), teaching traditional values ​​to children becomes more difficult. "Words are not as effective as real-life experiences. When children personally weed the garden and light incense, they will understand the deeper meaning," Ms. Lan said.

It's not just a ritual.

Every year during the Qingming Festival, the flower gardens in Hai Phong burst into vibrant colors.

For many, Qingming Festival is also an occasion to "return" in the truest sense of the word – to return to their hometown, to return to childhood memories. Family meals and lively conversations after visiting the graves have become an indispensable part of the festival.

Mr. Tran Van Dung, originally from Thanh Ha commune and currently working in Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “I’ve been away from my hometown for over 15 years, but every year during Thanh Minh (Qingming Festival), I make time to return. Being able to visit my grandparents’ graves with my family and then having a family meal at home feels very different. It makes me feel peaceful and gives me a sense of belonging.” In the hustle and bustle of life, people easily get caught up in work and worries. Thanh Minh is like a “quiet moment” for each person to pause, reflect on the past, and thus appreciate the present more.

In the context of urbanization and increasingly fast-paced lives, many families have simplified traditional rituals. However, the spirit of Qingming Festival, the expression of gratitude to ancestors, is still maintained in various forms.

In some places, people choose to visit the graves earlier or later to suit the time of year. Some families who cannot return to their hometowns still set up altars and light incense to remember their ancestors. Although the methods may change, the core values ​​remain unchanged.

Ms. Cao Thi Hien, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Ha Dong commune, said that the most important aspect of Thanh Minh (Qingming Festival) is not the form but the sentiment. As long as there is awareness of one's roots and remembrance of ancestors, this custom will be preserved. This is also a rare occasion for the extended family to gather together. From grandparents and parents to children and grandchildren, everyone works together to prepare and share old stories.

Many families consider this an opportunity for a family reunion, discussing common matters and strengthening bonds between members. Any conflicts, if they arise, are easily resolved in this warm atmosphere. This serves as a spiritual anchor for each person to continue on their journey.

When people understand where they come from, they will appreciate what they have and be more responsible for the future. It is in the quiet moments at their hometown cemetery that each person truly feels that Qingming is not just a holiday, but a journey back to themselves, to their family, and to their national roots.

MINH NGUYEN

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/net-dep-van-hoa-tet-thanh-minh-539338.html