Double Ninth Festival

Introduction

Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. The festival is also known as the Senior's Day, as it is a time to honour and show respect for the elderly.

Origin and Traditions

The origin of the Double Ninth Festival dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It is said that a wise man told Huan Jing, a man from the Tang Dynasty, to take his family to the mountains and drink chrysanthemum wine on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month to avoid a plague that ravaged the country. The custom of climbing mountains and drinking chrysanthemum wine on the festival day gradually evolved into a tradition.On the day of the festival, Chinese people participate in many activities. The most popular ones are climbing mountains, drinking chrysanthemum wine, and enjoying chrysanthemums. The activity of climbing mountains has become an important part of the festival, as it is believed that it can help people stay healthy and away from disasters.

Significance

Double Ninth Festival is a time for people to show their respect and love for the elderly. People visit their elders and offer them gifts and best wishes. It is also a time for people to relax and enjoy the beauty of the autumn scenery. The chrysanthemum, which is in full bloom during this time of year, is the symbol of the festival. Apart from its beauty, it is also used in various Chinese traditional medicine.Overall, Double Ninth Festival is not only a time to honour the elderly, but it is also a time to enjoy nature, and appreciate the cultural richness of China.