Greenwood Memorial Park Funeral Home in Renton this weekend will host Ching Ming, or “Grave Sweeping Day,” a celebration of the traditional Chinese and Buddhist festival honoring deceased loved ones and their burial sites.
The ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday (March 31) and Sunday (April 1) and will include a group performing the lion dance – a symbolic, costumed dance to summon good fortune. It will also feature a blessing from Master Raymond Sy and chanting and prayers from Quan Am Temple congregation and monks and members from Co Lam Pagoda, both of which are Buddhist temples in Seattle.
Ching Ming is an ancient festival dating back more than 2,500 years in which families tend to their burial properties and gravesites while burning incense and offering prayers and food to honor deceased loved ones.
Families who attend Greenwood Memorial’s festival will receive a gift bag with tea, cookies and a lucky charm, and there will be raffles for a 24-karat gold dragon charm and gift cards. Free sandwiches will also be provided throughout the day.
Greenwood Memorial Park Funeral Home is at 350 Monroe Ave. N.E.
