Why do you want to sweep the grave on the winter solstice? The origin of the custom of sweeping graves in winter solstice.

The winter solstice first began in the Zhou Dynasty, mainly to pray for the gods and ancestors to eliminate disasters and pray for famine and death in the coming year. After years of evolution, it has become a custom to worship ancestors and go to the grave.

Up to now, graves are mainly spread in Chaoshan. Going to the grave every year is generally during the Qingming Festival and the winter solstice, which is called "spring paper" and "winter paper". Generally speaking, the custom of "handing out spring paper" should be carried out three years before death, and "winter paper" can only be carried out three years later. But most people like to bring "winter paper", because it often rains during the Qingming period and the road is difficult to walk; On the solstice of winter, the weather is fine, which is very suitable for picnicking in the mountains.

There is also a saying in Chaoshan that "you are one year older after eating the Winter Festival". According to the report, "people have two explanations for this: one is that the winter solstice is a small year, and one year will be added after the small year; This proverb comes from prisoners. In ancient times, every autumn was the season of killing people. Prisoners who commit capital crimes are usually executed in autumn. If they are not executed on the winter solstice, they will usually be postponed until next year, so they say "wait another year".

Extended data

1. Don't go to remote places. Because it is to worship ancestors, it is inevitable to go to places where there are few people. It is best to take the usual route. Don't go hiking in remote places. One is safety, and the other is easy to stick to evil spirits.

2. It is better to sincerely worship the ancestors and sweep the grave. You should respect the grave you meet when you walk or stand. Don't touch the tombstone with your feet. It's better to be serious in this place. Don't touch and occupy other neighbors' tombstones at will.