Legacy of Faith

Chinese Christian Engagement with Qing Ming Rituals

Qing Ming, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is an important festival in the Chinese calendar. This year, it falls on April 4^th 2024. For Christians engaging in Qing Ming rituals alongside non-Christian family members, finding a path honouring their commitment to their faith and cultural heritage is essential. This delicate balance involves participating in traditional practices that reflect their Christian beliefs while also showing respect for their ancestors and the traditions that hold deep significance in Chinese culture. Here are some guidelines and considerations for Christians during Qing Ming:

1. Deepening Understanding of Qing Ming

Qing Ming, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is more than a cultural observance; it embodies a deep respect for ancestors and the continuity of family lineage. It is a time for reflection on the sacrifices and contributions of previous generations. Christians can approach Qing Ming with respect and gratitude, recognising these values align with the biblical principle of honouring one's parents and elders. Understanding the historical and cultural significance of Qing Ming can enrich a Christian's participation, making it a meaningful experience that bridges faith and cultural identity. While it has a component of ancestor worship, it is more than that in Confucian thought. It is a day of remembrance of bloodlines in clans and families. Christians who are familiar with the bloodline of Jesus Christ yet shy away when it has to do with their family bloodlines. Many Chinese Christians would have nothing to do with Qing Ming, equating it to ancestor worship, thus losing a large part of their cultural heritage.

2. Engaging in Cultural Practices Conscientiously

While engaging in Qing Ming, Christians can participate in ways reflecting their respect for their ancestors and faith. Activities like cleaning gravesites, placing flowers, and sharing family stories honour the memory of the deceased in a manner consistent with Christian values. However, it's important to discern which practices may conflict with Christian teachings, such as making spiritual offerings or using incense to suggest ancestor worship. Christians can navigate these aspects by focusing on actions that symbolise respect and remembrance rather than spiritual communication. They also use equivalent substitutions, such as offering flowers instead of joysticks. Bowing is cultural, not an act of worship.

Romans 14:22-23 serves as a guide for Christians to act according to their faith and conscience. They are engaging in Qing Ming in a way that maintains one's integrity before God, which is crucial. If certain rituals conflict with Christian beliefs, finding alternative ways to honour ancestors while still participating in the community aspect of Qing Ming is a respectful approach.

3. Christian Expressions of Hope and Remembrance

Qing Ming presents a unique opportunity for Christians to express their faith's hope and comfort, particularly regarding life after death. Christians can offer prayers for their family, asking for God's peace and comfort to touch those who mourn. This can be a private moment of prayer or a gentle, inclusive offer to pray with family members who are open to it, emphasising the comfort and hope in the Christian faith. This must be done with gentleness and tact, respecting our non-Christian family members’ beliefs.

When ancestors have a history of Christian faith, sharing these stories during Qing Ming can be incredibly impactful. It's an opportunity to recount how the ancestors' faith influenced their lives and the legacy of faith they left behind. This can be a source of inspiration and encouragement to family members, illustrating the transformative power of faith in Christ. Such testimonies can serve as a bridge between generations, linking the past's faith journey with the present and future.

Participation with Sensitivity and Respect

When participating in Qing Ming, the aim is to honour ancestors in a way that aligns with Christian principles while respecting family traditions. This involves:

1.      Seeking Common Ground

Emphasising the shared values between Christian beliefs and the cultural aspects of Qing Ming, such as the importance of family, remembrance, and honouring those who have passed, can foster unity and respect among family members of different faiths. One important consideration is to show up. Many Chinese Christians, after their conversion, often boycotted Qing Ming to the dismay of their families. How can we witness Christ if we do not turn up?

2.      Adapting Traditions

Christians can adapt Qing Ming traditions in creative ways that reflect their faith. For example, instead of traditional offerings, consider writing letters of gratitude or reflection about the ancestors and sharing these with family members. This can be a meaningful way to participate in the spirit of Qing Ming while staying true to one's faith. Bringing food to the festival as a picnic can enable Christians to eat together with their non-Christian families at the graveside. Stand side and not take part in burning ‘hell money’ and other paraphernalia but with respect and not judgment. Offer flowers instead of joss sticks. Help to clean the gravesites. We must learn to be respectful of certain rituals without being judgmental.

3.      Fostering Dialogue

Open and respectful dialogue about faith and cultural traditions can enrich family bonds. Sharing why certain Qing Ming practices are meaningful from a Christian perspective can open avenues for deeper understanding and mutual respect within the family. While I respect that some Chinese churches have rejected Qing Ming altogether, but instead celebrate the Tomb Cleaning on Easter morning. However, they should consider celebrating both days.

Incorporating these practices allows for a Qing Ming observance that is respectful, inclusive, and meaningful for all family members. It focuses on shared values, the importance of family heritage, and respect for ancestors, central themes that transcend religious boundaries. By emphasising what unites the family, these observances can strengthen family bonds and ensure that all members feel included and respected in their diversity of beliefs. By thoughtfully engaging in Qing Ming rituals, Christians can navigate their dual identity as followers of Christ and bearers of their cultural heritage. This approach allows for a respectful observance of Qing Ming that honours ancestors and reflects the hope and comfort found in the Christian faith.