Today is a Holiday in China, I think it is a day to respect the dead

The other day someone told me it was sweeping day, as if I were to know what that means. All I know is that today we dont work. It is odd being here, none of the traditional holidays that the west enjoy take effect here- Easter, Christmas, etc. Thus, they will spring some odd holiday on you out of no where. For instance, Chinese new year, one week in February, today, then a week in May, the again September and October. I just cant keep track.