Why do we worship our ancestors on the winter solstice?

Reasons for ancestor worship in winter solstice:

In the Tang and Song Dynasties, the solstice in winter was the day of ancestor worship. On this day, the emperor went to the suburbs to hold a ceremony to worship the gods. On this day, people must worship their parents. Except for families offering sacrifices to their immediate ancestors, all families with ancestral temples or shrines should hold ceremonies offering sacrifices to their ancestors, which are called "winter sacrifices".

The origin of the custom of offering sacrifices to ancestors from the winter solstice was recorded in Cui Ai's Four-person Moon Order in the Eastern Han Dynasty, saying that the people wanted to offer something to Xuan Ming and Zuyou. The record of ancestor worship in the winter of solstice increased in the Song Dynasty. "Dream of Tokyo" tells the story of the Winter Solstice Festival, which is the most important day in the capital. Today, it is easier to wear new clothes, prepare meals and enjoy ancestor worship. Legend of Wulin says wonton is the first enjoyment. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, ancestor worship was popular from winter to the sun.

Matters needing attention in ancestor worship from winter solstice

First, the clothes are simple, women don't need make-up, family members bring incense sticks and offerings, and they can't kill in front of the tomb. It is fashionable to offer flowers, such as chrysanthemums.

Second, after going to the cemetery, first start cleaning up the weeds around the cemetery, paying special attention to observing whether there are any miscellaneous trees on the grave, and if there are, pull them out; Then observe whether there is miscellaneous soil blocking Tang Xiaoming in front of the tomb and whether the drainage ditch is blocked.

Third, observe whether the headstone of the tomb frame has collapsed and broken, and ask the Feng Shui master to come and guide and take measures to make up for the abnormal situation.