04/04/2025
Yesterday, with spring flowers in bloom and a soft rain dusting the streets, we gathered at the .to.chinatown hub with a small group of community members to learn about Qing Ming — the gravesweeping festival.
It’s a conversation that can feel intimidating. Even for joss goods purveyors like us, Qing Ming often feels esoteric — or taboo, with its ties to the afterlife and death.
But over a panel facilitated by , Alice shared stories of our family’s rituals — how we’ve carried tradition across oceans, how we’ve adapted them in diaspora, and how we honor our ancestors while challenging the patriarchal limits that often accompany these rites.
Why should we continue celebrating Qing Ming? As fellow panelist put it: this is a moment to honor the nearly 8,000 ancestors who came before you. To know your lineage is to know you’re part of something bigger — a network of family, history, and identity. And in gathering, you strengthen those bonds across cousins, aunties, in-laws, and your chosen family.
Curious about how we celebrate Qing Ming and honor our ancestors with joss goods? Let us know below. We’re leaving this session inspired — ready to learn from generations past, and to share what we find with all of you! 🌸🌷
