Dear Friend,

	Making spring rolls

Last Saturday, April 5, was the Ching Ming Festival, or Tomb Sweeping Day, here in Taiwan. During this traditional Chinese festival, families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean their tombs and to offer gifts, such as food or imitation paper money.

My current host family observes the Ching Ming Festival. After preparing a lunch of traditional spring rolls, James Wu (my host father) and his family brought the food to their family altar, which is in their home. On the wall behind the altar are photos of James’s father and grandmother, two of the ancestors he will pray to and ask to bless the food.

	James Wu placing food on the altar

I won’t be able to accompany James and his family to the cemetery because it is too far away. But I was honored to join them in at least part of the festival’s traditions.

Your friend,

Carla