During Qing Ming, even if you are passive observer, you will noticed visited tombs with colored papers placed on tomb mount an/ or the headstone. Some are just strewn randomly behind while others follow a pattern of 5 color papers being grouped together. Whatever the individual descendant family practice, from what i read from online sources and asked through oral accounts from descendants is the act of placing the colored papers (called ya zhi (压纸) ) on top of the headstone is symbolic of the fact that this tomb is well taken care of by the filial descendants. The paper typically have 5 colors, representing the 5 elements (Fire, Earth, Gold, Wood and Water) and / or the 5 cardinal directions (North, South, East. West and Centre).
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| 5 colored paper with stones to hold them down |
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| Five colored paper on the grave as well on top of the headstone |
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| 5 colored paper on headstone |
Note: None of the perspectives expressed here represent singular truths given the syncretic nature of Chinese religion. The descendant's personal choice and intent also is important. References
Qing Ming Jie (All Souls’ Day). Infopedia, National Library, Singapore.
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