Ching Ming

Last Friday was Ching Ming - a day we visit our ancestors at the cemetery. Ching Ming was also a public holiday in HK. And since there are 3 birthdays in my family in April - Mum, Ching and Wei, I brought the kids home to KL for the long weekend.

Dad arranged it so that they visit Grandpa and Grandma's grave on Saturday - so I can go too. In Malaysia, cemeteries are usually very far away from town. And since I only go home a couple times a year, I only visited Grandpa's grave once shortly after he passed and I have not visited Grandma's grave since she passed about 10 years ago! So, I am really glad I had the chance this year.

As I mentioned earlier, the cemeteries are usually quite far away. To avoid the heat, we had to make an early start. Mum and Dad dragged us out of bed at 6.15am! Bring back memories - like school days (only this time they were mine!). Had to get myself ready and get the kids up too. Aiyoooo. Then we went for a ultra early Hokkien breakfast (Ba kut teh) before driving to the cemetery. It was such a big outing. Each of my uncles (3, 1 cannot make it) and their first born son (4) and my aunties (3) and the rest of the family went. There were about 20 of us. The cars were loaded up with various offerings.

When we got there, I tried to explained to Tasha what the tombstones on the hills were. She turned to me and said:
"Mum, I know that already. You forgot, we live next to a tomb park!"
Yes, we do live next to a cemetery in HK. Never heard it called a tomb park before!

It was such a colourful event. I had wanted to take some photos so the kids can remember this event. But mum is very superstitious and won't allow it, so..................