It is usually done on the same day during the Zhongyuan Festival, depending on local customs and traditions.
In the past, some places held ancestral worship activities on the 14th day of the seventh lunar month. The expenses were covered by the grain rent from public fields, and pigs and chickens were slaughtered for a grand ceremony to honor ancestors. Participants were usually literate scholars and students within the clan, who could receive a portion of "zuo meat" and "ding meat," and enjoy a full dinner. In the evening, they would also perform the "shigu" ceremony, burning incense and paper money near the ancestral temple, and scattering rice cakes made of glutinous rice to help the lonely souls without descendants and wandering spirits.
Can you visit the grave a few days before the Zhongyuan Festival?
Generally speaking, it is appropriate to visit the grave three or five days before the Zhongyuan Festival. The exact number of days in advance may vary, mainly depending on local customs and family traditions. Therefore, most areas choose to visit the ancestral graves a few days before the Zhongyuan Festival, such as 2-3 days or 3-5 days in advance, to experience the atmosphere of the Zhongyuan Festival, express respect for ancestors, and avoid the crowded situation on the festival day, making the ancestor worship more peaceful.
People aged 70 years old should not go to the graveyard
Seventy-year-old elders are already in their golden years, and their bodies are gradually weakening. If they visit the graves of deceased relatives and ancestors, they have to walk along rugged mountain paths.
Pregnant women should not go to the graveyard
If pregnant women visit the graves of their deceased relatives and ancestors, it can cause a series of problems. As pregnant women have large bellies, if they walk on uneven ground or mountain paths, the consequences are unimaginable.
People with illnesses should not go to the graveyard
People who are sick are physically weak, and walking on mountain paths will make them feel unsteady. If they force themselves to go to the graveyard, feelings of sorrow and remembrance are inevitable, which can affect their health.
Children under the age of three should not go to the graveyard
Children under the age of three are still in a state of confusion, and they do not understand anything about the graveyard. If they see their parents crying while mourning their deceased relatives, it can leave a deep impression on their minds and hearts.
Son-in-law should not go to the graveyard
Son-in-laws should not go to the graveyard. In ancient times, there was a saying, "A son-in-law should worship the spirit but not the tomb; worshipping the tomb would disgrace the ancestors." This means that a son-in-law must worship the spirit, but if he worships the tomb, it would disgrace the ancestors and bring ridicule from others.
