The Winter Clothes Festival, also known as the "October Dynasty" and "Ancestor Worship Festival", is a traditional Chinese sacrificial festival, mainly popular in the northern region. On this day, people express their remembrance of their deceased loved ones through various customs and activities, and pray for the blessings of their ancestors for future generations.
The core custom of the Winter Clothes Festival is to worship the ancestors. Set up an altar at home or in the ancestral hall and place rich offerings, such as wine, meat, fruits, etc., as well as paper money, incense and candles. During the sacrifice, people sincerely pray to the ancestors to bless the family with peace and prosperity. This custom embodies the traditional virtue of respecting the elders and ancestors of the Chinese nation.
Burning winter clothes is the burning of winter clothes made of paper for deceased relatives on the Winter Clothes Festival to express nostalgia and love for them. The custom originated from the ancient belief in ghosts and gods, believing that burning paper objects could be passed on to relatives in the underworld. Over time, the custom evolved into a form of mourning.
During the Winter Clothes Festival, people in some places also eat cold food. Cold food refers to eating only cold food without lighting a fire and cooking on this day. This custom is related to the ancient system of banning fires, which gradually evolved into a way to commemorate the deceased. Eating cold food is not only a remembrance of deceased loved ones, but also a manifestation of frugality and self-discipline in life.
Although the Winter Clothes Festival is a sacrificial festival, people also go out on this day. This custom embodies the ancient people's love for life and reverence for nature. In the process of traveling, people can enjoy the beautiful scenery of autumn, feel the gifts of nature, and can also exchange feelings with relatives and friends, and enhance friendship.
During the Winter Clothes Festival, some places will also hold various folk performances, such as dragon dances, lion dances, stilt dances, etc. These performances not only enrich the cultural connotation of the festival, but also bring joy and joy to people. Through these performances, people can feel the charm and vitality of the traditional culture of the Chinese nation. Winter Clothes Festival
Winter Clothes Festival is also a time for family reunions. On this day, people return home to spend the holiday with their families. Together, family members prepare ritual items, prepare meals, and share life experiences with each other. This atmosphere of reunion not only strengthens the cohesion of the family, but also makes people feel the warmth and preciousness of family affection.
As one of the traditional Chinese festivals, the Winter Clothes Festival carries rich historical and cultural connotations. By participating in various customs and activities, people can better understand and inherit the traditional culture of the Chinese nation. These traditional cultures are not only the precious wealth of our nation, but also an important embodiment of our national spirit.
In short, the customs of the Winter Clothes Festival are rich and colorful, with both solemn sacrificial ceremonies and joyful play activities. These customs not only reflect the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation of respecting the elderly and ancestors, but also show people's love for life and reverence for nature. In today's fast-paced society, we should cherish these traditional festivals and customs and make them an indispensable part of our lives.