The Origin of Qingming Festival, Legends of Qingming Festival, Origins of the Holiday (the Most Authoritative Traditional Explanation)
During the Spring and Autumn Period, Prince Chong'er of the Jin State fled abroad to escape persecution. During his exile, in a desolate place, he was so tired and hungry that he could no longer stand up. His followers searched for food but found nothing. As everyone was extremely anxious, one of the followers, Jie Zitui, went to a secluded spot and cut a piece of meat from his own thigh.