Qing Ming i popularly aociated with Jie Zi Zhui, who lived in Shanxi province in 600 B.C. Legend ha it that Jie aved hi tarving lord' life by erving a piece of hi own leg. When the lord ucceeded in becoming the ruler of a mall principality, he invited hi faithful follower to join him. However, Jie declined hi invitation, preferring to lead a hermit' life with hi mother in the mountain.
Believing that he could force Jie out by burning the mountain, the lord ordered hi men to et the foret on fire. To hi conternation, Jie choe to remain where he wa and wa burnt to death. To commemorate Jie, the lord ordered all fire in every home to be put out on the anniverary of Jie' death. Thu began the "cold food feat", a day when no food could be cooked ince no fire could be lit.
The "cold food" fetival occur on the eve of Qing Ming and i often conidered a part of the Qing Ming fetival. A time pae, the Qing Ming fetival replaced the "cold food" fetival. Whatever practice i oberved，the baic obervation of Qing Ming i to remember one' elder by making a pecial effort to viit their grave, ahe or ancetral tablet. To make the viit even more meaningful, ome time hould be pent to remind the younger member of the family of the live and contribution of their ancetor, and the tory of Jie Zi Zhui who chooe death over capitulation.[由好作文www.hAOzuowEn.com整理]