What is the Thanh Minh Solar Term?
When mentioning Thanh Minh, Vietnamese people often recall a verse from the literary classic "Truyện Kiều": "In the Thanh Minh festival of the third month, the rite is grave-visiting, the festivity is spring treading." This verse not only marks a time but also reveals an age-old custom.
The Thanh Minh solar term is one of the 24 solar terms in the lunisolar calendar, originating from China. According to Dr. Duong Hoang Loc, it is a major festival tied to the spring weather when it is warm, the air is fresh, and vegetation begins to thrive. The term usually begins around April 4 or 5 and lasts about 15 to 16 days, ending before the Guyu solar term. For instance, in 2026, Thanh Minh begins on April 5 and lasts until April 20.
Differences Between Vietnamese Grave-Visiting and Chinese Spring Outings
In China: Combining Ritual and Celebration
In China, Thanh Minh is a time for people to visit and clean ancestral graves, clear weeds, repair tombs, and offer food and drinks as a sign of respect. However, it is also an occasion for outings and spring excursions to enjoy the warm weather after a cold winter. This activity is called "ta qing" (spring treading), which involves enjoying nature when flowers bloom. Thus, Thanh Minh in China includes both ritual (grave-visiting) and festive (spring outing) elements.
In Vietnam: Focused on Ancestral Remembrance
In contrast, Thanh Minh in Vietnam primarily carries the meaning of remembering ancestors. People visit and clean graves, remove weeds, fill in sunken soil, and burn incense on the tombs. Afterward, families gather to hold ancestor worship ceremonies. The most notable difference is that Vietnamese people hardly engage in spring outings or picnics during this period. Vietnamese Thanh Minh leans toward reverence and solemnity rather than entertainment.
Regional Customs and Offerings
According to Dr. Duong Hoang Loc, the grave-visiting custom during Thanh Minh varies by region. In Northern Vietnam, offerings often include red sticky rice (xoi gac) and duck meat. In Southern Vietnam, many places practice grave-visiting before the Lunar New Year, and Thanh Minh is also a convenient time to clean and repair tombs if needed.
Additionally, the Chinese community in Vietnam maintains a strong Thanh Minh tradition. In provinces like Can Tho, Soc Trang, and Bac Lieu, they often visit communal cemeteries to worship ancestors with abundant offerings such as flowers, fruits, sticky rice, sweet soup, roasted duck, roasted pork, chicken, and various cakes like pia cake, bo cake, bread, and cookies.
Thanh Minh from a Feng Shui Perspective
Mr. Hoang Trieu Hai suggests that festivals and holidays are closely tied to the agricultural life of the Vietnamese people. In the natural cycle, a year has 12 months, with 4 months belonging to the Earth element, marking seasonal transitions. The period from spring to summer falls in the Thìn month (5th lunar month), which belongs to Yang Earth according to the Hetu diagram. When Yang Earth appears, Yin energy begins to arise, creating natural changes.
Meaning of Cleaning the Graves
At this time, Thanh Minh forms as an occasion for descendants to visit and care for ancestral graves. In simple terms, Thanh Minh is when people go to cemeteries to clear weeds and trim trees so the graves are airy and clean. According to folk beliefs, this helps harmonize Yin and Yang energy for better "circulation."
End of Spring Wood Energy
Trimming trees is also seen as a sign of the end of spring's Wood energy, as the Thìn month of Yang Earth prepares the transition to summer's Fire energy. In other words, Thanh Minh is not only a time to remember ancestors but also clearly reflects the seasonal rhythm and agricultural life of the Vietnamese.
Conclusion
The Vietnamese Thanh Minh festival is a beautiful cultural trait expressing the principle of "remembering the source when drinking water." Unlike China, where Thanh Minh is associated with spring outings, the Vietnamese focus on tending graves and remembering ancestors. Despite regional differences in offerings or timing, the core value of the grave-visiting custom remains filial piety and gratitude toward the deceased, while also serving as an opportunity for family generations to reunite and bond.
