Alternative ways to observe ‘Ching Ming’ during MCO

MIRI: This year’s Ching Ming Festival on April 4 will be rather quiet as the movement order (MCO) has been extended to April 14.

The ‘tomb-sweeping’ festival is an important occasion for the Chinese community to honour and remember deceased family members. Many were anxious and turned to social media seeking advice.

“Do I have to hire someone to help sweep my ancestors’ tomb,” asked a netizen, Wong Siaw Ching.

“I am anxious because I feel like I am not doing my part. But I am more worried about the crowd if everyone comes out,” said another.

Other netizens shared suggestions. “Light up a joss stick and face the direction of your ancestor’s tomb, bow or kowtow (act of kneeling and touching one’s head to the ground) three times in that direction. I believed it would be a proper gesture to show respect,” said Amber Chin.

“In situations where families are unable to perform the ritual, they have the option of doing it at home. What’s important is that their filial piety and sincerity would be understood by their ancestors,” advised Koh a ‘feng shui’ expert.

He explained that an empty table can be placed at home as an altar with some food offerings.

“Though some may say it is not the same as physically cleaning the tombs, spiritually you would gain peace as it is not by choice.

Koh further advised for Ching Ming to be observed earlier or after as the actual day is deemed inauspicious.

“In the lunar calendar, midApril marks the beginning of the fifth month and it is actually more auspicious to pay respect to ancestors then,” he said, adding that paying respect at home as an alternative is still much safer than joining large crowd.