Jeanette Young, widow of George Chew Kai Young, and James C.M. Young, George's brother, gathered with others yesterday at Manoa Chinese Cemetery. George Young is credited with taking Ching Ming from small family gatherings to a grand cultural celebration.
From left, Danny S.M. Young, vice chairman of the United Chinese Society; Harry Wong, one of the coordinators for the Ching Ming celebration; Jeanette Young; and James C.M. Young at Manoa Chinese Cemetery, where many will gather Wednesday.
An excerpt:
"Hawai'i's Chinese communities this week are preparing for the annual Ching Ming ceremonies to honor their departed forebears, with events planned in Manoa, Kane'ohe and by individual families at gravesites across the state.
Jeanette Young, widow of George Chew Kai Young, and James C.M. Young, George's brother, gathered with others yesterday at Manoa Chinese Cemetery. George Young is credited with taking Ching Ming from small family gatherings to a grand cultural celebration.
"We've been brought up with the respect for our parents and ancestors," said Harry Wong, one of the coordinators for the Ching Ming celebration at Manoa Chinese Cemetery on Wednesday. "We appreciate what they have done for us and it is important to pass this on to our children. There is a Chinese saying: 'When you drink the water, reflect on the source.' "
Ching Ming is an observance rooted in Taoist religion, in which families gather at cemeteries to clean and decorate ancestors' gravesites and present them with offerings of incense and traditional foods. It's an occasion to show respect and eat together — the living and, symbolically, those visiting from the spirit world.
Ching Ming, also spelled Quin Ming but pronounced the same, has been observed in China for about 3,000 years. The monthlong observance begins tomorrow."
Source: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Apr/04/ln/ln17p.html
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