Grave sweeping is an occasion for descendants to tidy up the graves and pay respects to their ancestors who have passed away. This tradition has been maintained for thousands of years on holidays, festivals, or important occasions. According to the experience of the ancients, when these three people go to sweep the graves, the ancestors are pleased and protect the descendants, bringing them prosperity and success. Who are these three people?
How to properly sweep the graves of ancestors?
Grave sweeping is not only to pay tribute to our own ancestors, but also to thank the Buddha, local deities, and ancestral spirits who have blessed our ancestors on that piece of land. It is through this connection that our ancestors are able to watch over and bring prosperity to their descendants.
Grave sweeping is a manifestation of filial piety, a ritual that educates future generations about filial piety and gratitude towards their ancestors, rather than a display of pride in front of the world. Depending on the customs of each place, grave sweeping can be a small family affair or done together with the extended family. Those who work far away often return to their hometowns during the Lunar New Year to sweep the graves and gather with their families. Family lineages often have a specific day designated for grave sweeping, so that the whole clan can meet at the ancestral temple at the end of the year for ceremonies, cleaning, and preparing for the Lunar New Year. The chosen date is usually a holiday to ensure that everyone can attend.
The tasks during the grave sweeping ceremony include cleaning and tidying up the surroundings, ensuring a clean and spacious resting place for the deceased. The grave should be properly filled with soil, weeds should be removed, and wild plants should be cleared to prevent snakes and rodents from nesting. The elderly ancestors take care of the ancestral worship at the grave.
Three people sweeping the graves pleases the ancestors and brings blessings
+ The newlywed daughter-in-law
One regret that the deceased may have is not being able to witness the marriage of their descendants. Every ancestor hopes that their descendants will live a happy life, have a happy marriage, and have more children. When a new member joins the family, the ancestors in heaven also bless the newlyweds and wish them a long and fruitful life. Therefore, when a member of the family gets married, they must bring their spouse to pay respects to the ancestors and participate in grave sweeping.
+ Filial and respectful descendants
Since ancient times, cultivating moral virtues has been highly regarded, and the virtue of filial piety is considered the highest among all virtues, as the saying goes, “a hundred virtues, the virtue of filial piety comes first.” Therefore, filial piety is the most basic requirement.
If someone is truly filial, they will be cherished by older people, even if they are not talented or cannot bring glory to the family. In the eyes of the elderly, health and the well-being of their descendants are more important than fame and fortune. If someone respects and honors the elderly, they are considered a person of good character.
With filial and respectful descendants, the family will be harmonious and happy, and any conflicts can be quickly resolved. Therefore, the ancestors hope that their descendants will be filial and respectful, so that the family can prosper and thrive. Even though the ancestors have passed away, they still desire a cheerful and happy atmosphere among their descendants.
+ Those who have achieved success in their careers and education
When performing grave sweeping, the ancestors will be delighted to know that their descendants have achieved success, have positions and influence in society. Therefore, those who have achieved success in their careers should offer prayers and thanks to their ancestors, as they have brought joy to the ancestors and made them proud. At the same time, it is an expression of gratitude for the protection and blessings that the ancestors have bestowed upon them.
In addition to those who have achieved career success, those who have excelled in education should also be mentioned. In ancient times, the only way to advance in society was to pass the imperial examinations. Therefore, there is an ancient saying that goes: “Excellent education leads to official positions, ten years of hard work in the imperial examinations bring joy to the whole family, and the local people will be proud of the victory in the imperial examination.”
Whether in ancient or modern times, reading and studying have always been highly valued. When worshipping their ancestors, the ancestors will be pleased to know that their descendants have achieved academic success.
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