The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival (重阳节), holds significant cultural and historical importance in Chinese traditions. Festival is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, which falls on October 23 in the year 2023. This festival is characterized by various customs and beliefs.
The number nine holds great significance in Chinese culture. It represents the Yang character according to the principles of yin and yang. As the ninth day of the ninth lunar month possesses a double occurrence of the number, it is considered an auspicious time. This is why the festival is named the Double Ninth Festival. In addition, the pronunciation of “double ninth” in Chinese is similar to the word meaning “forever,” symbolizing eternal blessings and good fortune.
The Chongyang Festival is not only associated with the concept of eternal blessings but also with the worship of ancestors. It is believed that paying homage to ancestors on this day would bring them blessings and ensure their eternal presence in the family lineage.
Apart from its association with eternal blessings and ancestor worship, the Chongyang Festival is also referred to as the Chrysanthemum Festival. This name stems from the custom of wearing and appreciating chrysanthemum flowers during the festival. Chrysanthemums are regarded as symbols of autumn and longevity in Chinese culture. They are often used to decorate homes and ancestral graves on this special day.
Legend of Double Ninth Festival
Legend has it that during the East Han Dynasty, the Ruhe River was plagued by a malevolent spirit. It brought illness and death to the people living in the area. Huan Jing was a man who had lost his parents to the plague and had fallen ill himself. He embarked on a journey to learn the magic arts and defeat the devil of the plague. After a long and arduous quest, Huan Jing sought the assistance of an immortal who taught him how to confront and vanquish the demon.
One day, a prophecy was made that the devil of the plague would appear on the ninth day of the ninth month. To prepare for the battle, Huan Jing gathered his entire family on a mountain. They were given Zhuyu leaves and glasses of chrysanthemum wine. When the devil emerged, it was confused by the scent of the Zhuyu and chrysanthemums. Huan Jing took advantage of this and defeated the devil, freeing the people from the plague. This heroic act led to the tradition of climbing mountains on the Double Ninth Festival to ward off evil and ensure good health and prosperity.
Thus, the Double Ninth Festival is intricately woven with ancient legends, customs, and beliefs. It serves as a time for honoring ancestors, appreciating the beauty of chrysanthemums, and fostering a sense of unity and resilience within communities. The festival’s enduring significance reflects the deep-rooted traditions and values that continue to resonate in Chinese culture to this day.
Activities on that day
- Climbing mountains brings good luck, longevity, and elevates one’s spirit. People in China enjoy hiking in various mountainous areas.
- Chongyang cakes, also known as Flower Cakes or Five-Color Cakes, are tower-shaped delicacies with nine layers. They feature two flour sheep on top.
- Chrysanthemums play a significant role in the festival, symbolizing beauty and resilience. People give chrysanthemums as gifts, decorate homes, and make wine and tea.
- Visiting older relatives is a way to show respect, seek blessings, and strengthen community bonds.
Although nowadays this festival is not as important as it used to be, people still climb the mountains, drink Chrysanthemum wine and tea, and cherish their loved ones. This festival serves as a reminder to appreciate the past and embrace the future.
