Qingming is not only one of China’s 24 solar terms, but also the time for Chinese people to honour their lost family members. Qingming falls in early April of spring when the temperature begins to rise and rainfall increases. It is the right time for spring sowing (春播). At the same time, Chinese people will visit tombs of their ancestors (祖先) around Qingming to pay respect to people who have died. Most of the time the whole family will go together with something like flowers, food or paper money, clean up wild grass around the tombs and pray for family prosperity (兴盛).

A traditional Chinese painting named Riverside Scene on the Qingming Festival was drawn 900 years ago. It shows the prosperous atmosphere and activities on that day. People returned from tomb sweeping with horses and packages in the picture.

Chinese people call themselves the children of the Yan and Yellow emperors. A great ceremony is held on Qingming every year in order to honour the Yellow Emperor, also known as the Xuanyuan Emperor. On this day, the Chinese from all over the world pay respects to this ancestor together. This serves as a reminder of the roots of Chinese people and a chance to revisit the civilization (文明) of our ancestors.

Qingming became a Chinese public holiday in 2008. During the holiday, there is also a popular and relaxing activity—spring outing. The spring sunshine brings everything back to life, and it’s the best time to enjoy the beautiful views outside. The mild temperature and fresh air make spring outing another good choice for those who lead busy modern lives.

Qingtuan, a round green dessert, is one of the must-have foods for the festival. It was originally an offering (供品) to ancestors during Qingming. But it is now regarded as a spring outing snack, especially popular among people living south of the Yangtze River.

There are many holidays and festivals. Dads have Father’s Day. Mums have Mother’s Day. But do our grandparents have a special festival? Yes, they do!

The Double Ninth Festival is a special day for older people in China. It started long ago. The festival is on lunar September 9th. On this day, people show love and respect for their grandparents.

Respecting older people is a tradition in China. That’s because the Chinese know that older people have much knowledge and experience that young people can learn. There are many ways in which Chinese people express their respect. When an older person enters a room, everyone should stand up. Also, people are introduced from the oldest to the youngest. When we present a book to an older person, two hands are used. And young people always offer their seats to older people on a crowded subway or bus.

In Western countries, however, older people have different lifestyles from those in China. Western seniors don’t often live with their children—they live alone. They’d rather do everything themselves than get help from others. They even don’t want to be offered seats by others. Besides after retirement（退休）, they would like to take up new hobbies, do part-time jobs and join in different kinds of activities.

Westerners still respect their older people. For holidays, families usually get together at the grandparents’ homes, and a great smile and a warm hug for their parents are enough for grown children to show their respect. What’s more, seniors usually don’t have to buy tickets for trains and buses. They are given discounts（折扣） in stores and restaurants as well.

There are many holidays and festivals. But do our grandparents have a special festival? Yes, they do!

The Double Ninth Festival is a special day for older people in China. It started long ago. The festival is on lunar September 9th. On this day, people show love and respect (尊重) to their grandparents.

There are many ways in which Chinese people express their respect. When an older person enters a room, everyone stands. When we present a book to an older person, two hands are used. Young people always offer their seats to older people on a crowded subway or bus.

Respecting older people is a tradition in China. That’s because the Chinese know that older people have knowledge and experience that young people can learn. Chinese people are proud of being old.

In Western countries, however, older people seldom think they are old. They are called “seniors” instead of “old people”. They’d rather do everything themselves. Even after retirement (退休) they take up hobbies, part-time jobs and new activities to keep their bodies working well.

Westerners respect their older people, too. Usually, seniors don’t have to buy tickets for trains and buses. They are given discounts (打折) in stores and restaurants.

But Western seniors don’t often live with their children-they live alone. For holidays, the family usually gather at the grandparents’ home, and a great smile and a warm hug for their parents are enough for grown children to show their respect.