The Willow Branch That Never Fades 永不褪色的柳枝

The Willow Branch That Never Fades 永不褪色的柳枝

From 英文睡前故事 Bedtime Story by Riley讲故事

April 7, 2026 · 2 min

About this episode

The episode tells the story of Little Lin as she navigates her feelings of loss and remembrance during the Qingming festival.

Little Lin loved spring. She loved the warm rain, the buzzing bees, and the way the wind carried the scent of fresh earth. But this year, spring felt different. Her grandmother had passed away in winter, and Lin missed her more than words could say. One morning, her mother said, “Today we will visit Grandma at the hillside. It’s almost Qingming.” Lin didn’t understand. “How can we visit her? She’s not there.” Her mother smiled softly. “Her body rests there, but her love lives in our hearts. Qingming is the day we sweep the graves, offer food, and show that we remember.” So Lin and her family walked up the misty hill, carrying a basket of oranges, rice cakes, and a small pot of tea—Grandma’s favorite. They cleaned the moss from the stone, placed fresh wildflowers around it, and poured tea in a circle near the grave. Lin whispered, “Grandma, I miss you. I drew a picture of us under the old banyan tree. I left it here for you.” As she tucked the drawing beneath a smooth stone, a gentle breeze lifted a single willow branch from a nearby tree. It floated down and landed softly on Lin’s palm. “Look,” her mother said. “Willow branches are for Qingming. They help guide our loved ones’…

People in this episode

Host: Riley讲故事

Topics covered

  • grief
  • family
  • spring
  • memorial
  • love
  • tradition

Keywords

  • spring
  • grief
  • Qingming
  • family
  • willow branch
  • memorial
  • love

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: old banyan tree

Places: Qingming, hillside, misty hill

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