Ching Ming Ceremony at Maple Grove

Join us on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 2 PM at the Center for a Memorial Service to honor our ancestors. Ching Ming, the Remembrance of Ancestors Day or Grave-Sweeping Day takes place on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox. Ching Ming rituals not only include weeding of the area, cleaning of the headstone, and replacing the wilted flowers with fresh ones, but also the lighting of incense and burning of imitation paper money. In addition, food is laid out in front of the headstone as an offering to the spirits of the deceased. Each family member comes in front of the headstone and bows three times with their right fist held cupped in their left hand. Some families will then eat the food at the gravesite, akin to having a picnic with their deceased relatives. It is said to bring good luck to eat the food that was offered to the deceased.