The common swing has offered sport to many children throughout the world. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), swinging was a designated recreation on the Qingming Festival, also known as the Clear and Bright Festival or the Tomb Sweeping Festival. Because the festival generally occurs in mid-spring, many also use the occasion for family outings.

According to the Annals of theMing Court, this day was also called Swing Festival, when swings were suspended in the Hall of Earthly Peace of theForbidden Cityand in all the residential complexes where palace ladies resided. Ladies of the imperial household wore colorful silks especially made for the occasion, and amused themselveson swings.