As the traditional Ching Ming (spelt “Qingming” in Putonghua pinyin) Festival on April 4 approaches, the six municipal cemeteries under the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) will extend their opening hours from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. this coming Saturday and Sunday, as well as from April 3 to 7, allowing public to visit the cemeteries during off-peak times.
The tradition is also known as Tomb-Sweeping Festival (清明節). Qingming is one of the 24 solar terms (節氣, jieqi) in the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. It is the 5th solar term, occurring when the sun reaches 15° celestial longitude – around April 4–6 in the Gregorian calendar. The solar terms were developed by agricultural societies to mark seasonal changes important for farming. “Qingming” means “clear (and) bright”.
Additionally, traffic restrictions will be implemented on the roads surrounding the cemeteries from April 3 to 5. The statement advised citizens to take note and use public transport whenever possible.
Meanwhile, the bureau has installed large incense burners and small incense buckets at the cemeteries. During visits, citizens should burn joss paper only at the designated facilities, ensure all flames are completely extinguished before leaving, and remove all offerings and rubbish, the statement said, adding that setting off firecrackers is strictly prohibited within the cemeteries.
The statement noted that additional rubbish bins have also been placed in the cemeteries, and the bureau will deploy more staff to empty the bins to maintain cleanliness.
In order to prevent mosquito infestations and reduce the risk of dengue fever and chikungunya transmission, the bureau has strengthened mosquito control and removed weeds from the cemeteries, the statement said.
The bureau also advised visitors not to put fresh flowers in vases to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding caused by stagnant water in vases. Furthermore, during the festival period, portable toilets will be added at the Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery in Mong-Ha district and Coloane Municipal Cemetery.
During the festival, the bureau will increase patrols at all municipal cemeteries. Citizens are reminded to maintain order and follow the instructions of on-site staff.
This undated handout photo, taken at São Miguel Arcanjo Cemetery and provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) yesterday shows a technician applying mosquito control insecticide.
