How Do You Spell QINGMING?

Pronunciation: [kˈɪŋəmɪŋ] (IPA)

Qingming, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese holiday observed on April 4 (or the 15th day after the spring equinox). The spelling of "qingming" is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /tʃiŋ mɪŋ/. The "q" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolo-palatal affricate, the "i" is pronounced as a high front unrounded vowel, and the "ng" is pronounced as a nasal velar consonant. The "m" in "ming" is pronounced as a bilabial nasal consonant. The word represents a time to honor ancestors by visiting their graves and paying respects.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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QINGMING Meaning and Definition

  1. In Chinese culture, "qingming" (清明) refers to a traditional festival known as the Qingming Festival or Tomb-Sweeping Day. It is an important occasion that typically falls on April 4th or 5th of each year, marking the beginning of the fifth solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar.

    The term "qingming" literally translates to "clear brightness" or "clear and bright." The festival holds significance as it is a time for Chinese people to pay their respects to their ancestors by visiting their gravesites, cleaning the tombstones, and making offerings of food, drinks, and other items. It is an act of filial piety and a way of honoring and remembering their deceased loved ones.

    Qingming Festival is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions and has been observed for over 2,500 years. Besides tomb-sweeping, people also engage in various activities during this time, such as flying kites, enjoying family outings, and scenic walks to appreciate the blooming of spring. It is believed that the clear weather during this period symbolizes the arrival of a new season and the opportunity for renewal and growth.

    Overall, qingming is a term encompassing the concept of remembrance, paying respects to ancestors, and celebrating the arrival of spring. It holds a significant place in Chinese culture, fostering strong family ties and promoting cultural heritage preservation.

Etymology of QINGMING

The word "qingming" is a transliteration of the Chinese term 清明 (qīngmíng).

The etymology of the term can be explained as follows:

- 清 (qīng) means "clear" or "pure" and represents the beginning of spring when everything is fresh and vibrant.

- 明 (míng) means "bright" or "illuminated" and indicates the clear weather during this time. It also signifies the ancestral spirits being enlightened and aware of their offerings and remembrance by their living relatives.

Together, 清明 (qīngmíng) is often translated as "Clear Brightness" or "Pure Brightness". It refers to the Chinese festival known as Qingming Festival, also called Tomb-Sweeping Day, which is observed in early April to pay respects to ancestors by visiting their graves, cleaning the tombstones, and making offerings.