Qingming ceremony to commemorate Xuanyuan Huangdi: Taiwan’s love and respect for ancestors highlighted
The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is a time for Chinese people to pay respects to their ancestors. One particular event during this festival is the public memorial ceremony for Xuanyuan Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor, the legendary first ruler of China. This year’s ceremony, held in Huangling, Shaanxi, on April 4th, saw representatives from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese coming together to honor their ancestry.
Among the participants was Lin Zhengzhong, a Taiwanese descendant of the Yan and Huang Emperors, who expressed his pride in being able to pay homage to his ancestors at the Yellow Emperor’s Mausoleum. Lin, who has been living in Shaanxi for over a decade, emphasized the importance of preserving Chinese culture and heritage, urging more Taiwanese youth to connect with their roots on the mainland.
Another participant, Xu Liangren, a Taiwanese student studying in mainland China, shared his awe at being at the Yellow Emperor’s Mausoleum for the first time. He described the ceremony as a solemn expression of gratitude towards Xuanyuan Huangdi, the common ancestor of all Chinese people, both at home and abroad.
The significance of the ceremony was not lost on the attendees, as they reflected on their identity as descendants of the Chinese nation and the importance of honoring their shared heritage. The ancient cypress trees planted by the Yellow Emperor, the flowing Jushui, and the perpetual incense in front of the ancestor’s hall served as reminders of the enduring legacy of their ancestors.
As the participants paid their respects on the Bridge Mountain, Taiwan’s love and caution in honoring their ancestors stood out, emphasizing the deep-rooted connection between the mainland and the island. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the shared cultural roots that bind the Chinese people together, transcending geographical boundaries.
The Qingming ceremony to commemorate Xuanyuan Huangdi not only highlighted the importance of ancestral worship but also underscored the unity and reverence that Taiwanese and mainland Chinese share for their common heritage. In a world constantly changing, these traditions serve as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future generations of Chinese descendants, ensuring that the legacy of their forefathers remains cherished and celebrated for years to come.