The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival that commemorates ancestors and pays respects to the deceased. It usually falls on April 4th or 5th of the Gregorian calendar. Originating from the ancient Chinese belief in filial piety, Qingming Festival has evolved into a day of remembrance and reflection, where families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean and sweep the tombs, offer food, burn incense, and pay respects.
According to Chinese folklore, Qingming Festival has its roots in the Cold Food Festival, an event dating back over 2,500 years to the Spring and Autumn Period. The Cold Food Festival was originally a day to remember Jie Zitui, a loyal minister who sacrificed himself to save his prince during a time of political turmoil. After his death, the prince remembered Jie by ordering that no fires should be lit for three days, leading to the creation of the Cold Food Festival. Over time, this festival merged with the tradition of tomb-sweeping, giving rise to the modern Qingming Festival.
Fortune Telling Based on Birth Characters:
1. Wood Characters (Mu Zi):
- People born with wood characters are often creative, flexible, and adaptable. They possess strong problem-solving skills and excel in professions related to art, design, and innovation. However, they may also face challenges in decision-making and tend to be indecisive at times. In terms of fortune, wood characters indicate a steady and gradual accumulation of wealth, with opportunities for financial growth through investments and long-term planning.
2. Fire Characters (Huo Zi):
- Individuals with fire characters are passionate, charismatic, and ambitious. They are natural leaders and thrive in competitive environments. However, they may also be prone to impulsiveness and a lack of patience. In terms of fortune, fire characters signify rapid success and financial gains, but they also warn against reckless spending and the potential for financial losses due to impulsive decisions.
3. Earth Characters (Tu Zi):
- Those born with earth characters are practical, reliable, and grounded. They have a strong sense of responsibility and excel in professions that require stability and perseverance. However, they may struggle with adapting to change and taking risks. In terms of fortune, earth characters indicate steady and secure financial growth, with emphasis on savings, property investment, and long-term financial planning.
4. Metal Characters (Jin Zi):
- Individuals with metal characters are disciplined, organized, and detail-oriented. They excel in professions that require precision and analytical thinking. However, they may also be overly critical of themselves and others, leading to feelings of perfectionism and rigidity. In terms of fortune, metal characters signify financial success through hard work, efficiency, and strategic planning. They are likely to achieve wealth through careers in finance, engineering, or technology.
5. Water Characters (Shui Zi):
- People born with water characters are adaptable, intuitive, and resourceful. They have a natural ability to navigate through challenges and overcome obstacles. However, they may also be prone to mood swings and indecision. In terms of fortune, water characters indicate fluctuating financial circumstances, with opportunities for wealth accumulation through intuition, innovation, and taking calculated risks.
In conclusion, Qingming Festival serves as a time to honor ancestors and reflect on the past, while fortune telling based on birth characters offers insights into individual personalities and financial prospects. By understanding the characteristics associated with different birth characters, individuals can make informed decisions and navigate their financial futures with confidence.