清明时节雨纷纷，路上行人欲断魂
借问酒家何处有，牧童遥指杏花村
This is the time of the year where some Chinese pay respect to their deceased ancestors. People around the world travel thousands of miles for that. They really do this out of respect! They keep in their heart how much their ancestor had done in their life that contributes to the well-being that is being enjoyed by the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren at the present. For some, this 清明节 (Tomb Sweeping festival) is another time of the year for ‘family’ reunion, as the name suggests it's actually the time for people to go outside and enjoy the clear and brightness of Spring in which also include the tending of the ancestors' graves, thus the tradition. My uncles are currently in the Mainland China to pay their respect to my great-great grandpa and in this trip they expect to be introduced to their so called family. From their previous story, the ‘family’ there welcomes them very much!
After being away for 8 years, since I am home now, for the past 2 years, I made the trip back too. I didn’t have to travel thousands of miles though, just a few hundred kilometers. Although I don’t completely understand the origin and how this tradition is being carried out, however, I understand the good intention and values behind it, which is respect for the (deceased) elders, the quality that has evolved a lot in definition and in practice by now.
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