The Qing Ming or Tomb Sweeping Festival is a time to reflect on one's family past and show respect for deceased loved ones.

Traditionally we honor our ancestors at their graves, where we are supposed to "meet" them. We sweep their tombs, give them food and wine, and burn paper money for the netherworld.

Seemingly, there is a kind of communication at this moment between the living and the dead.

Thanks to technology, tomb sweeping is now just a mouse-click away.

Funeral homes have launched websites for those who are too busy or too far away to visit the graves of the deceased. The online memorial halls offer services such as virtual flowers, memorial messages and tribute songs.

Can this virtual tomb sweeping adequately substitute for traveling to family graves?

Like all traditional festivals, tomb sweeping day, which occurs today, provides an opportunity for business despite its mournful tone.

The items for the day - chrysanthemums, paper money, incense, candles and fruits - fetch a good price. And the list has been growing to cover such luxury items as paper cars and Viagra.

These things may make the deceased turn in their graves rather than rest in peace. The Tomb Sweeping Festival, an important part of our culture and tradition, is becoming simplified and somewhat absurd.

Some sociologists gave the recommendation to incorporate the Qing Ming Festival into China's list of public holidays, making tomb visits possible for many.

Including Qing Ming and other traditional festivals would bring the country's holiday calendar into closer accord with long-standing Chinese customs.

The most effective way to keep our traditions alive with dignity is to give people time to observe the festivals, including tomb sweeping, and enable them to understand the importance of tradition.

The day off for Qing Ming will enable us to pay real respect to the deceased by visiting their graves.

(China Daily 04/05/2007 page10)