Ceremony honoring Chinese ancestor held in central China

The ancestral worship ceremony honoring Huangdi, also known as the Yellow Emperor, is held in Xinzheng, central China's Henan province, April 19, 2026. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The ceremony honoring the Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor, was held on April 19 in Xinzheng, central China's Henan province.

As is custom, the event followed nine traditional rites. Such processes included a ceremonial cannon salute, laying of flower baskets, hand purification and incense offering, ancestor worship, the reading of a eulogy, singing of hymns, musical and dance tributes, and prayers for China's well-being and the harmony of heaven, earth and humanity.

Attendees participate in the ancestral worship ceremony honoring Huangdi, also known as the Yellow Emperor, in Xinzheng, central China's Henan province, April 18, 2026. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

In Chinese mythology, Huangdi is considered the ancestor of the Chinese nation and the founder of Chinese civilization. According to legend, Xinzheng is Huangdi's hometown. The third day of the third lunar month has been observed as a day to honor Huangdi since the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 B.C.).

Song Min, president of the U.S.-China Culture & Communication Association, attended for the first time at the Yellow Emperor's birthplace after participating in similar events in San Francisco.

"Huangdi has brought all Chinese people together," Song said. "I will continue to tell the story of Huangdi to overseas Chinese youth."

"Seeking roots and honoring ancestors is a Chinese tradition," said Wang Jian, a 72-year-old Chinese Canadian who attended with his son. "No matter how far I go, home is still China."

Wang said he would later visit his ancestral hometown of Luyi in Henan province to pay respects to Lao Tzu, adding, "I hope to contribute a little to the development of my hometown."

Similar events were held in the United States, Great Britain and Brazil. An online version was also available.

The ceremony was co-organized by the Henan provincial government, the Henan provincial committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, and the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese.