Tomb Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival) - a public holiday where Chinese people visit the burial grounds or cremation centers of their ancestors.

Martys Memorial Gardens was my first stop to pay respect to those fallen ones who defended their country when the Japanese invaded. Grave stones, with a small photo of the solider were surrounded by freshly laid flowers.

What looked like a locker room to a swimming pool, with wide drawers from floor to ceiling covered each wall, some closed with others opened that told a story of those who had passed away and what their family had given them in their second life.
A decorative box containing the ashes was at the back, usually with a photo in front. Flowers, fruit, alcohol, flags were just some of the things that had been carefully placed around the box. Other drawers stood bare with no colorful flowers or sweet gifts, just the lonesome box inside.

Hundreds of people gathered as monks and worshippers walked clockwise around the pagoda and made their way into Longhua Temple. I squeezed through the crowds and found a high spot to take in my first Buddhism ceremony. Chanting echoed out of the temple and from the speakers hanging from trees, as thick smoke filled the air.
Before paper money was burnt to help loved ones in the afterlife but now days respecting 'modern ghosts', money isn't the only item burnt to help. From paper i-phones to cars, 1 meter tall houses to golden paper jewelry and cigarettes with a bottle of Chinese rice wine!
The beat of a gong faded into the distance as I wondered around to find a place and gather my thoughts for the day. Despite the meaning of the day, I didn't witness anyone whom seemed upset. A cool breeze was accompanied by the Spring sun, as people remembered family members, friends or strangers. Remembering the pleasant memories and the good things they did.
Three tall golden Buddha's stood tall as people knelt below them. I stood for a while, took the courage to step forward and I too knelt down on the cushion. I don't know what I was thinking or if I was thinking of anyone in particulaer but after the fourth bow something took over me. I had a sudden urge to cry and swiftly left...

Remembering you on this day x