Bright tangerines, glossy apples and fragrant incense often take center stage on ancestral altars from Beijing to Bali. Fruits symbolizing completeness—pomelos for prosperity, pears for longevity—sit alongside cooked classics: whole steamed fish for abundance, roast chicken to underline family unity, and bowls of fragrant rice reminding everyone of life’s simple staples. Sweet rice cakes in Korea (tteok) and sticky rice dumplings in Vietnam (bánh chưng) add layers of texture—and meaning—to gatherings.

Tea and spirits carry whispered toasts across generations. A porcelain cup of oolong or jasmine tea channels calm respect, while a small shot of sake or baijiu sparks a richer, more boisterous link to the past. Incense sticks burn shoulder to shoulder with slender red candles, creating a gentle haze that bridges earth and spirit. Paper offerings—known as joss paper or “spirit money”—come in staple banknotes, then expand into elaborate paper houses, cars or even smartphones, ensuring ancestors never feel out of touch in 2025’s fast-paced world.

Modern festivities have woven in playful twists. During last month’s Qingming Festival livestreams, families in Taiwan unveiled miniature paper airplanes and smartphones alongside traditional robes, a nod to today’s connectivity obsession. In Thailand and Laos, khao tom mat (banana-wrapped rice parcels) sweetened with coconut and black beans sweep not only altars but social feeds, as younger generations share bite-sized tutorials on TikTok.

Symbolic items go beyond food. Small vats of water refresh spirits on hot days, while mirrors or rice wine dishes offer a clear reflection of the soul. A scattering of fresh flowers—chrysanthemums or marigolds—keeps the altar bright, like sunshine on a cloudy morning. Even a lone boiled egg, simple as can be, represents renewal and hope for what’s just around the corner.

All these offerings, old and new, act like bridges—linking past wisdom to present hopes. Each carefully chosen fruit, incense curl or paper fold carries a message: ancestors remain an integral part of life’s unfolding story.