Under The Angsana Tree: Qingming Jie Festival 清明節 2021

04/04/2021

Qingming Jie Festival 清明節 2021

Qing Ming 2021

The Qing Ming Festival takes place on 4 April 2021 this year, with the visiting period expected to last between 20 March 2021 to 18 April 2021. In view of the continued COVID-19 situation and strict safe distancing measures, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has put in place strict crowd control measures to limit the crowds and urges members of public to exercise socially responsible behaviour so as to protect our own well-being and the well-being of our families and relatives.

To cater for the anticipated increase in visitors during the annual Qing Ming period, NEA will extend the opening hours for government-managed columbaria (Choa Chu Kang, Mandai and Yishun Columbarium) to 24 hours daily with effect, from 20 March 2021 till 18 April 2021. An e-appointment booking system for visitors driving to Mandai Columbarium will be implemented during the peak days.

The crowds at Mandai Columbarium are expected to be larger this year given the high niche occupancy. To improve the traffic flow within Mandai Columbarium and to enhance the overall experience for visitors, NEA will implement an e-appointment booking system for visitors driving to Mandai Columbarium between 5:30 am to 5:30 pm during these peak days.

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Qing Ming 2021

Qingming is celebrated on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox, between April 4-6

Qing Ming is an important observance in Singapore for the remembrance of one’s ancestors, that is celebrated mainly by those of Chinese ancestry. It is also called “Tomb Sweeping Day” since cleaning and sweeping out your ancestors’ tombs is a part of the traditional way to commemorate it.

Qing Ming is not an official public holiday, but people will often take annual leave to participate in family ceremonial activities.

On Qing Ming, people bring all manner of offerings for their deceased relatives. It could be food items, wine, paper crafts, imitation gold bars or paper money, incense sticks, or chopsticks. Whatever is brought, it is supposed to show respect for the dead and is believed by some to help them have all necessaries in the next life.