An Introduction to the Origin and Traditional Customs of the Double Ninth Festival
The Double Ninth Festival is a traditional Chinese festival, held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month each year. The ancients regarded nine as a yang number, and since the ninth day of the ninth month brings two yang numbers together, it was named Chongyang, also known as Chongjiu. This festival has a long history and carries rich cultural connotations such as praying for blessings and expressing gratitude.
As for the origin of the Double Ninth Festival, it is generally believed that its early form can be traced back to ancient sacrificial activities held after the autumn harvest, through which people expressed gratitude to heaven, earth and their ancestors. During the Western and Eastern Han dynasties, customs such as wearing zhuyu (cornelian cherry) and drinking chrysanthemum wine gradually became popular, and the festival's content was continually enriched. By the Tang dynasty, Chongyang was formally established as a festival, and the practices of climbing heights and admiring chrysanthemums flourished; subsequent dynasties carried on these traditions, making it an important traditional festival.
Many legends related to Chongyang also circulate among the people, adding a mysterious flavor to the festival. It is said that in ancient times a man received guidance from an immortal and on the ninth day of the ninth month took his whole family up a height to escape disaster, and they came to no harm; thereafter climbing heights became the signature custom of Chongyang. Although such stories have a mythological color, they reflect people's beautiful wishes to seek good fortune, avoid misfortune and pray for peace.
The main customs of the Double Ninth Festival include climbing heights to enjoy the distant view, admiring chrysanthemums, wearing zhuyu (cornelian cherry), drinking chrysanthemum wine and eating Double Ninth cake. Climbing heights symbolizes warding off disaster and praying for blessings, while the Double Ninth cake, because "gao" (cake) is a homophone for "gao" (height), carries the wish for rising step by step. "Ninth-ninth" is a homophone for "enduring-enduring", symbolizing lasting forever, so the Double Ninth Festival also embodies blessings for longevity and good health.
Today, the Double Ninth Festival has gained the new meaning of respecting and loving the elderly, and is regarded by many as a festival for honoring seniors. On each Double Ninth, people often accompany their elders to climb heights and enjoy the autumn scenery and give Double Ninth cake, expressing filial piety and good wishes. The blending of traditional and modern meanings gives this ancient festival new vitality.