Ching Ming

Ching Ming takes place on the 15th day after the spring equinox, and occurs on April 5th for 2026.

Ching Ming, Grave Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese celebration honoring ancestors. This custom is observed as a traditional and cultural ritual rather than a religious practice. For this occasion, families visit the cemeteries of their ancestors to pay their respects with offerings of flowers, incense, imitation paper money, and food. They also sweep and clean the gravesite.

Join CHCP on April 4, 2026 for the Ching Ming ceremony at the Historic Chinese American Cemetery in San Jose and witness how Ching Ming unfolds in a picnic-like atmosphere, observed as a time for happy communion with ancestors rather than a somber occasion.

For more details: Visit our Ching Ming page (part of our Virtual Library).