Information About Chinese in Brunei, Qing Ming is the day that the Chinese people remembers their
ancestors hence they would go to the grave usually a week before or after the
"real date" which falls on the 5th April 2007 this year.
Ethnic Chinese who live overseas would go back home (i.e.
Malaysia, Singapore, or in Brunei, go to the Kuala Belait, Tutong, Berakas,
Tesek, Muara, Pulau Baru-Baru, Pulau Berangan? or family own private land) just
for the event and usually members of extended family would come and offer
prayers as well and "money" for the departed family members.
The Chinese Cemetary in Berakas Brunei
The view of the Chinese Graveyard
Some items which were offered...
After completing the cleaning of the grave, family
members would put coloured papers on the top of the grave....
Qing Ming is a serious event... so much so that the
Malaysian newspaper, the Star reported that people who went early to the
graveyard should use less jewellery, for fear of being robbed. Below is the
story, from the Star newspaper today...
Personal items such as shoes, shirts, dress, passport,
money, houses or even paper cars were burnt during such event... STuffing the
whole item bought by several members of the family took a while to burn...
Offer to the deity who protects the tomb as well as the
afterlife...
The Star newspaper news:
DO not wear expensive jewellery when you go to the cemetery
for Qing Ming – this is the advice from Federal CID director Comm Datuk
Christopher Wan Soo Kee. He said this was to prevent any untoward incident from
happening.
China Press reported that many people had voiced concerns as
they would be going to cemeteries before dawn to avoid traffic jams and the
heat. Comm Wan said policemen would be assigned to patrol cemeteries if
graveyard managements make such requests.
“The cemetery management will arrange security or for Rela
members to be present to ensure the safety of the people there,” he added. Qing
Ming falls on April 5 but most people will be visiting the tombs of their loved
ones this weekend.
source :
http://phoenix4bn.blogspot.com/2007/03/qing-ming-in-brunei-ii.html
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