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The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides a year into 24 Solar Terms. Qingming, meaning clear and bright, is the fifth of the 24 Solar Terms and falls on April 5 this year.
中国传统历法把一年划分为24个节气。清明是二十四节气中的第5个节气。今年的清明始于4月5日，（止于4月19日）。
Across China the arrival of Qingming is accompanied by rising temperatures and frequent rain. Like other solar terms, Qingming, created in ancient China, was to guide the agricultural affairs and farming activities. It is also a time for people to enjoy spring and get closer to nature as trees turn ever greener and flowers bloom.
在中国，清明到来，意味着气温升高，降雨量增多。清明和其他节气一样，用于指导农业生产。清明时节，树木变绿、鲜花盛开，是走进自然、感受春天的好时机。
There are some ancient Chinese poems depicting Qingming that are still learned and recited by Chinese people today. One of the most well known is titled Qingming, by the Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Du Mu (803-852).
以清明为主题且流传至今的古诗词有很多，其中最著名的便是唐代诗人杜牧的《清明》。
"A drizzling rain falls like tears on the day of Qingming. The mourner's heart is going to break on his way. Where can a wine shop be found to drown his sad hours? A cowherd points to a cot amid apricot flowers."
清明时节雨纷纷，路上行人欲断魂。借问酒家何处有？牧童遥指杏花村。
Apart from being one of the 24 Solar Terms, Qingming is also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, when people honor their ancestors and deal with the emotions of losing loved ones.
清明既是二十四节气之一，又是一个历史悠久的传统节日。在清明节这一天，人们会扫墓祭祖、追思逝者。