Visiting graves on the Winter Solstice is one of the customs for Chinese people to express respect for their ancestors. There are many rules and taboos during the process of visiting graves. This article will introduce the usual procedures of visiting graves on the Winter Solstice, the best time to choose, the precautions for women participating, ways to worship ancestors at home, suitable flowers for mourning, clothing style taboos, fasting before visiting graves, and more. It is hoped that this article can provide reference and help for everyone.

Usual Procedures of Visiting Graves on the Winter Solstice

The usual procedures of visiting graves on the Winter Solstice include preparations before visiting, such as cleaning the tomb site and offering sacrifices; offerings and rituals during the visit; and gatherings with meals and drinks after the visit. This process is both a way to express思念 and grief for ancestors, and a way to communicate with them.

Is it Better to Visit Graves Earlier on the Winter Solstice?

There are no strict restrictions on the timing of visiting graves on the Winter Solstice, but it is best not to exceed the date of the Winter Solstice itself. The best time to visit is between 7 am and 3 pm, because the yang energy is strong at this time. At the same time, people with poor health should avoid the periods when the yin energy is stronger during the visit.

Can Pregnant Women Visit Graves?

In general, pregnant women should avoid participating in grave visiting activities. Similarly, women during their menstrual period should also avoid participating in grave visiting. However, there are some differences in the customs of children participating in grave visiting between the north and south of China. In the south, usually all children go to visit graves, while in some areas in the north, daughters usually do not attend, and married daughters go with their husbands.

Can You Worship Ancestors at Home on the Winter Solstice?

Worshipping ancestors on the Winter Solstice was originally supposed to be done at the graveyard. However, if it is not possible to return home to participate, it can also be done at home. You can place offerings for worship on the balcony or living room facing the direction of your hometown, burn three incense sticks, bow three times, and silently recite words of blessing and worship, then burn paper money to pay respects to the ancestors.

What Flowers Are Suitable for Mourning on the Winter Solstice?

During the Winter Solstice mourning, chrysanthemums are usually chosen as appropriate flowers, because chrysanthemums are considered to be the flower of remembrance in ancient China, symbolizing thoughts and memories. White chrysanthemums are the most suitable choice, and they can also be combined with other green plants, such as lilies, green grass, and carnations, to enhance beauty.

Are There Any Rules for Clothing on the Winter Solstice Grave Visiting?

There are certain rules for clothing when visiting graves on the Winter Solstice. It is especially taboo to wear bright red or purple clothes. Instead, plain-colored clothes should be worn. Additionally, red accessories (except for those in their zodiac year) should not be worn. This way of dressing shows respect and politeness towards ancestors.

Do You Need to Fast Before Visiting Graves?

It is better to fast before visiting graves, showing respect and politeness to ancestors. When you start to go to visit graves, you should avoid eating or only eat vegetarian food, and wear neat clothes. This practice can better express respect for ancestors.

Visiting graves on the Winter Solstice is an important custom for Chinese people to express respect for their ancestors, and there are many rules and taboos in the process. Pay attention to the usual procedures of visiting graves, choose suitable time, note the participation of women and special groups, ways to worship ancestors at home, suitable flower choices for mourning, clothing style taboos, and fasting before visiting graves, etc. By following these customs and taboos, we can better express our respect and nostalgia for our ancestors.