As spring wakes up the jasmines, and will- ows turn shades of green, our nation celebrates Qingming, or "pure brightness" also known as Tomb-sweeping Day.

This is a time to pay our respects to ancestors. To Chinese people, it's a cultural hallmark, exemplified by the broad range of ceremonies of worship. This is why Qingming has been officially certified as a national cultural heritage and has become a "red-character" day.

This nation emphasizes filial piety. The adoption of Qingming as a national holiday, which had not been the case until last year, itself is wonderful tribute to that fine tradition.