祭祀

祭祀 refers to the act of performing rituals or sacrifices to honor ancestors, deities, or spirits. It is a traditional practice in Chinese culture that emphasizes respect and communication with the spiritual world.

The character 祭 (jì) originally meant to offer food or gifts to the dead, while 祀 (sì) meant to worship or venerate. Together, they form a term that encapsulates both ritual offerings and formal veneration.

祭祀 is commonly seen during festivals like Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day) and Zhongyuan (Ghost Festival). It plays an important role in maintaining family connections across generations and reflects the deep-rooted belief in ancestral reverence in Chinese society.