亲爱的国际学生们：清明节是中国重要的传统节日之一，它是中国农历年的第五个节气，通常在公历4月4日至6日之间。它标志着天气的变化，气温开始上升，降雨量增加，是春季耕种和播种的关键时刻。随着时间的推移，清明节不仅成为指导农业活动的季节性标志，还是中国人表达对祖先敬爱和尊重的节日。

Dear International Students,Qingming Festival is one of China's most important traditional holidays. It is the fifth solar term of the Chinese lunar year and usually falls between April 4th and 6th in the Gregorian calendar. This period marks a change in weather, with rising temperatures and increased rainfall, making it a crucial time for spring plowing and sowing. Over time, Qingming Festival has evolved from being merely a seasonal guide for agricultural activities to a day for the Chinese people to express their love and respect for their ancestors.

清明节的习俗

The customs of the Qingming Festival

清明处在生机旺盛的时节，也是阴气衰退的时节。大地呈现春和景明之象，正是郊外踏青春游与行清墓祭的好时节。清明兼具自然与人文两大内涵，既是自然节气，也是传统节日。清明节的节俗丰富，扫墓祭祖与踏青郊游是清明节的两大礼俗主题。

Qingming is a time when the energy of life flourishes, while negative energy declines. The land is filled with the warmth and brightness of spring, making it an ideal season for outdoor excursions and ancestral tomb visits. The festival embodies both natural and cultural significance, serving as both a solar term and a traditional holiday. Qingming customs are rich and varied, with tomb sweeping and spring outings being the two main themes.

祭祀扫墓

Tomb Sweeping
清明扫墓，即为“墓祭”，谓之对祖先的“思时之敬”，祭扫祖先是对先人的缅怀方式，其习俗由来久远。

Tomb sweeping, also known as "MU JI" (ancestral tomb ritual), is a way for people to honor and remember their ancestors, a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. 

踏青

Spring outings

清明节祭祖活动往往在郊外进行，人们把祭祖扫墓和郊游踏青结合起来，既追思先人，又健康身心，于是踏青成为清明节的习俗之一。在踏青时需要注意安全，不可攀爬野山、不可野外游泳 、不可户外探险  、不可擅闯未开放景区 。

Since ancestral rites often take place in the countryside, people have combined tomb sweeping with outdoor activities, allowing them to remember their ancestors while also enjoying nature and promoting their well-being. This has made spring outings an integral part of Qingming customs.During outings, please ensure your safety—avoid climbing wild mountains, swimming in open waters, engaging in outdoor adventures, or entering restricted scenic areas without permission.

放风筝

Flying kites

放风筝也是清明时节人们所喜爱的活动。过去，有的人把风筝放上蓝天后，便剪断牵线，任凭清风把它们送往天涯海角，据说这样能除病消灾，给自己带来好运。

Flying kites is another popular Qingming activity. In the past, some people would release their kites into the sky and then cut the string, letting the wind carry them far away. It was believed that this practice could dispel illness and misfortune, bringing good luck in return.