"It is now, and in this world, that we must live." I've written about Ching Ming before. This year, it falls on April 4th. (Ironically, the number four sounds like the word death in Chinese.) Sadly, I lost someone I loved last year. So this time around, I'll be doing a lot of remembering and reminiscing. Here's a snippet of something I wrote while in anguish: Ramen Bones Ramen, a rectangular plot of bleached whiteness. I tore the package open, staring at the bone white. My hands … [Read more...]
Tomb-Sweeping Day
April 13, 2015 Leave a Comment
"Love is a warm fire to keep the soul warm." April 5th marked Ching Ming, a time when families gather together to honor their ancestors. The literal meaning of the festival is "clear and bright," which offers an odd juxtaposition of cheerfulness with solemnity. Traditional rituals include sweeping graves, along with warm weather activities like kite flying (because the festival happens near the coming of spring). I'm not one for mandated holidays, but I think it's important to recognize and … [Read more...]
