It can be seen that Tomb-Sweeping Day's activities are the customs and habits formed over thousands of years, the living seeking a sense of belonging for their souls, and the recognition of national cultural psychology.
However, due to Tomb-Sweeping Day's ancestor worship, people need to burn a lot of offerings such as Ming coins, paper figures, paper horses and paper houses, which may have some negative effects and make some experts and even the general public very disgusted with the atmosphere in Tomb-Sweeping Day. Notices have been issued one after another in many places across the country, clearly stipulating that sacrifices are not allowed to be burned, green sacrifices are made, and Tomb-Sweeping Day activities are completed by sweeping graves, offering flowers, planting trees and online sacrifices. Some places even ordered the cancellation of the production and sale of Ming coins, paper men, paper horses, paper ingots and other offerings.
What's more, it is said that the production and sale of Ming coins, paper men, paper horses, paper houses and paper ingots should be banned across the board. They will be burned in circulation, which not only wastes money, pollutes the environment, but also brings fire hazards. This bad style of work must be stopped!
When this view was published, some people applauded and some people resolutely opposed it.
Supporters think: one size fits all? Banning Tomb-Sweeping Day's superstitious sacrifice is a good thing for the country and the people, which is different from what is advocated now? Build a harmonious society, advocate environmental awareness and create a beautiful environment? The idea coincides with mine, and it is long overdue.
Opponents believe that ancestor worship in Tomb-Sweeping Day is a traditional cultural custom for thousands of years and has nothing to do with superstition. Based on the principle of respecting customs and culture, how to prohibit what should be prohibited? If it is regarded as feudal superstition? One size fits all? It is not only tradition but also culture that is forbidden and disappeared.
The original intention of this view is not wrong, but it is too? Xenophobia? Yes
In my opinion, ancestor worship and environmental protection are not in conflict. It is the best policy for all localities to find a balance point according to their own conditions, adopt methods adapted to local conditions, reasonably publicize and guide, instill environmental awareness in the masses, and strengthen protection work, so as to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the masses without damaging local credibility.