Of Qing Ming and Filial Piety.

I got this strange reaction from a fellow MMUian when I told him about Qing Ming (All Souls Day). No doubt, he wasn't a Malaysian and knows nil about this festival observed by Buddhist people all over the world. (Maybe Bahai, Taoism and other religions too). It wasn't the most pleasant reaction I might say, as labeling something someone does from a religious point of view as "silly" is just plain rude. (Apart from hurting one another physically, emotionally and spiritually)

Nevertheless, I did my part and played my role in the family, (being forced) waking up as early as 7.30am on a SUNDAY to have some dimsum breakfast outside and we're off; my dad and I, to our ancestor's grave in Jelutong, Melaka, the largest cemetery in Malacca, if not Malaysia.





All along my journey from the roadside to the heart of the cemetery, (yes, we're in the middle) I noticed how there were many MANY people there, setting off fireworks, firecrackers, praying notwithstanding, but I never fail to realise this one thing. There were hardly any people of my age, nor to say younger, which is.. a little crest-falling to know that this age old tradition is slowly losing observance by the younger generation.

Call me old fashion, but things like these are reminders of what we are. Just that past week, we were in a Buddhist temple, praying to my paternal grandmother whose ashes were laid there to rest. In the midst of the hallway, three children were running around. Now you might think that children ALWAYS run around. What's new with that? The point being, these children in the pure naivety, is running around carefree in a site honouring the people long gone. A stark contrast of the gloomy atmosphere that envelopes many. (not THAT gloomy, but still..) It was a scene so pure and innocent, I would say, that brought me to think for a moment.

Then, the children were stopped by their mother, telling them not to run around less in case they knock something over. I reasoned with myself though, to let the children continue having fun, as this is what everything is all about. Having fun, no matter how solemn the situation is. This is how they are going to remember something, or an event so important in the annals of Chinese culture; honouring the dead. The only deterrent that supported the predicament I saw in Jelutong was the younger generations don't find any meaning in doing it anymore, or simply to say, they are not attracted to this kind of thing anymore. I always visit my ancestors without fail, simply because, our ancestors, dead or alive, are the only people who can bring our relatives far and apart all back together. Without them, I don't think I could be as close with my uncles, aunts or cousins. The only few times I get to see our family gathering, truly something amazing, considering how a dead person could bring together a large family in a SINGLE DAY.

All in all, I'm just going to remind you people out there, Qing Ming is really something that we should observe, continue and respect, be it for a cultural purpose or simply out of pure filial piety, it's the only thing LEFT that we could do for someone who is no longer here.