Qing Ming is a time to (remember) the dead and the dearly departed. More important, it is a period to honour and to pay respect to one's deceased ancestors and family members. Because it reinforces the ethic of filial piety, Qing Ming is a (major) Chinese festival.
Literally (meaning) "clear" [Qing] and "bright" [Ming], this Chinese festival falls in early spring, on the 106th day after the winter solstice. It is a "spring" festival, and it is (an) occasion for the whole family to leave the home and to (sweep) the graves of their forebears. Chinese being practical people this sweeping of the graves is (given) an extended period, that is, 10 days before and after Qing Ming day. Among some dialect groups a whole month is allocated.
Origin
Qing Ming is (popularly) associated with Jie Zi Zhui, who lived in Shanxi province in 600 B.C. Legend has it that Jie saved his starving lord's life by serving (a piece) of his own leg. When the lord succeeded in becoming the ruler of a small principality, he invited his (faithful) follower to join him. However, Jie declined his invitation, preferring (to) lead a hermit's life with his mother in the mountains.
Believing that he could force Jie out (by) burning the mountain, the lord ordered his men to set the forest on fire. To his consternation, Jie chose to remain (where) he was and was burnt to death. To commemorate Jie, the lord ordered all fires in every home to be put out on the anniversary of Jie's (death). Thus began the "cold food feast", a day when no food could be cooked since no fire could be lit.
The "cold food" festival (occurs) on the eve of Qing Ming and is often considered as part of the Qing Ming festival. As time passes, the Qing Ming festival replaced the "cold food" festival. Whatever practice is observed，the basic observation of Qing Ming is (to) remember one's elders by making a special effort to visit their graves, ashes or ancestral tablets. To make the visit even more meaningful, some time (should) be spent to remind the younger members of the family of the lives and contributions of their ancestors, and the story of Jie Zi Zhui (who) choose death over capitulation.
Question)
1. Do you chat with your friends via QQ when you are at work?
2. What knid of working atmosphere would you like to work in?
