Grave-sweeping day is a rite of spring that calls for a vigorous hike and remembrance of the departed. In the old days, people laden with gardening tools climbed winding trails to hillside grave sites, where they pulled out weeds, trimmed hedges and spruced up grave stones. Toiling together, families thus renewed the bonds across generations, in life and in death.
In the 21st century, an alternative to such physical exertion is a few clicks of the computer mouse and a short message for the departed placed in a cyber memorial hall. Couch potatoes love it: it is hi-tech and poses no risk of setting the hillside on fire with incense.
But virtual grave sweeping is only one sign of how modern life has encroached on Chinese traditions. Once a year at Ching Ming, or grave-sweeping day, people want their departed loved ones to partake of the latest worldly comforts. They can purchase a complete 'lifestyle' doll house, with housekeepers, doormen and security guard, all for 80 yuan (HK$75). They can choose from a dazzling array of cardboard mansions, big-screen television sets, air conditioners, computers, mobile phones, boxed designer shirts or a papier mache mah-jong set. Also on offer: the latest sleek model from Mercedes-Benz - its licence issued by the 'Department of Motor Vehicle for the Afterlife' - driver's licence, travellers' cheques and passports.
Virtual remembrance is growing in popularity. Last year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a circular urging people to adopt a 'new, civilised memorial', which was taken by the struggling survivors of the dot.com crash as a strong endorsement of cyberspace memorials. Paying respect on the Internet, according to the promoters, 'transcends time and space'.
