Question 1

What is the poem 清明 about?

Accepted Answer

This poem presents a rainy spring road, a traveler, a courteous question about a wine-serving shop, and a shepherd boy pointing toward a distant village. The poem itself does not describe graves, tomb sweeping, or a funeral scene.

Question 2

Who wrote 清明?

Accepted Answer

Du Mu (803–852), courtesy name Muzhi and also known as Fanchuan, was a Late Tang poet remembered especially for lyrical quatrains, and also for regulated verse and prose. He passed the jinshi examination in 828 and later held various government posts, including governor of several prefectures. He is also paired with Li Shangyin as one of the two poets known as the 'Little Li-Du.' His grandfather Du You was a Tang court minister who compiled the encyclopedia Tongdian. This poem is traditionally placed under Du Mu's name in received transmission.

Question 3

What is Qingming?

Accepted Answer

Qingming is a spring solar term and festival period. It is traditionally linked with remembering and honoring deceased family members, so the season can carry feelings of mourning and longing.