**The custom of sending lamps to the ancestral grave on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month**
In traditional Chinese folklore, on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, in addition to the Lantern Festival, eating Lantern Festival, guessing lantern riddles and other festival activities, there is also an important custom, that is, to send lamps to the ancestral tomb. Although this custom is not well known, it carries the memory and admiration of the ancestors of the younger generations, and more profoundly reflects the cultural feelings of the Chinese who are cautious about chasing the future.
There is a well-known folklore about the custom of giving lamps to ancestral graves. It is said that in ancient times, there was a filial son who was unable to return to his hometown to worship his ancestors on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month because he was busy with official duties, and he felt deeply guilty. So he had an idea and hung a lamp high to mourn. This lamp illuminates the spirits of the ancestors and attracts many villagers to follow suit. Over time, hanging lamps has become a custom on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, which means to illuminate the way home for the ancestors, and also expresses the feelings of missing the ancestors.
The lantern-giving ceremony usually begins in the evening. People come to the burial site of their ancestors with carefully selected lanterns and candles, as well as auspicious offerings such as flowers and fruits. In front of the tomb, they would first arrange the offerings neatly and then light candles and lanterns. Warm lights flickered in the night, as if the ancestors were responding to the thoughts of their descendants. This is not only a consolation for the ancestors, but also for the hearts of the living.
This traditional custom is of far-reaching significance to the spiritual growth of future generations and the inheritance of traditional culture. In the process of sending the lamp, people are not only expressing their admiration and longing for their ancestors, but also invisibly conveying traditional virtues such as filial piety and gratitude. This way of teaching by example is more important than words, so that the younger generations can experience the cohesion of the family and the sense of culture in the participation.
However, in modern society, with the acceleration of the pace of life and the change of traditional concepts, some young people do not know or value this traditional custom. In many places, most of the participants in the lantern delivery activities are middle-aged and elderly, and the younger generation often knows little about it. Therefore, how to better preserve and carry forward this traditional custom in today's era has become a question worth thinking about.
* and non-governmental organizations can increase the publicity of this custom, and let more people know about its historical origin and cultural connotation by holding related activities or cultural exhibitions. At the same time, families can also strengthen the education and guidance of their children in their daily life, so that they can understand the traditional customs of the family and cultivate their sense of family identity and cultural self-confidence.
In short, the custom of sending lamps to ancestral tombs on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. It not only carries the admiration and longing of the younger generations for their ancestors, but also a way to inherit virtues and unite the strength of the family. In today's era, we should attach importance to and carry forward this traditional custom, so that it can radiate new vitality in the context of the new era.