Imagine a mountain ridge painted in fiery hues of autumn—crimson maple leaves swirling against a crystal-blue sky.Thousands of paper kites, shaped like dragons and cranes, dance on the crisp wind. Below, the air is fragrant with the sharp, herbal scent of chrysanthemum wine and the sweetness of steaming rice cakes. This is the Chongyang Festival, a day where ancient Chinese traditions invite you to climb towards the heavens and honor the golden years of life.
origin of festivals
The Chongyang Festival,also called the Double Ninth Festival, falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. The number nine is yang (representing the sun, light, and masculinity) in Chinese cosmology, making this date a potent double yang day, traditionally seen as both auspicious and potentially hazardous. Its origin is often traced to a legendary tale from the Han Dynasty. A wise man advised a scholar to take his family to a high place with chrysanthemums and zhuyu (cornel dogwood) to ward off a impending plague. Heeding the advice saved them, and the customs of mountain-climbing and wearing aromatic plants became rituals for dispelling misfortune and praying for health.
beautiful implications
The festival evolved into a profound celebration with two core pillars: escaping peril and cultivating longevity. Climbing a mountain symbolizes overcoming life’s obstacles and “rising high” in aspirations. It’s also a physical pursuit of well-being amid autumn’s refreshing air. The second, deeper pillar is honoring elders and cherishing longevity. The number nine is homophonous with “forever” or “long” in Chinese, making this day a perfect occasion to express respect and love for senior family members. Chrysanthemums, blooming defiantly in late autumn, become the festival’s flower, embodying resilience and a noble, enduring spirit. Drinking chrysanthemum wine or tea is believed to purify and grant long life.
Think of it as a blend ofa vibrant outdoor adventure day and a heartfelt “Grandparents’ Day.” It’s a time for families to actively seek good health by hiking in nature, while simultaneously focusing gratitude and care on their oldest members. The traditions are practical charms for good fortune—climbing away from trouble, wearing fragrant plants for protection, and enjoying foods whose names sound like “height” and “progress.”
festivals celebrated today after evolution
While rooted in antiquity,Chongyang vibrantly lives on. In 1989, China officially designated it as Senior Citizens’ Day, strengthening its modern focus on elder care. Communities across China, from Beijing’s Fragrant Hills to the scenic peaks of Guilin, organize group hikes and outdoor festivals. Modern activities include:
· Community Events: Neighborhoods host banquets, free health check-ups, and cultural performances for seniors.
· Family Outings: Families still hike together, fly kites, and share the special chongyang gao (Double Ninth cake), a steamed layered cake implying “rising higher.”
· Digital Respect: For those far from home, digital greetings, video calls, and online gift deliveries to elders have become new norms.
· Cultural Showcases: Schools and cultural centers hold exhibitions on chrysanthemum cultivation, traditional poetry readings, and craft workshops making paper kites or zhuyu sachets.
Double Ninth Festival Travel Guide
Want to experience the most authentic Chongyang Festival? Consider planning your itinerary based on regional characteristics:
· The Refined Southern Journey: Enjoy a “mini ascent” among the artificial hills and pavilions of Suzhou’s classical gardens, paired with a pot of chrysanthemum tea to savor the literati charm of Jiangnan. Alternatively, head to Guilin for a hike among the karst peaks along the Li River, experiencing the poetic and picturesque of a “mountain-and-water Chongyang.” The local chongyang gao (Double Ninth cake) is often exquisitely made and worth tasting.
Chongyang cake
· The Grand Northern Expedition: The red maple leaves of Beijing’s Fragrant Hills are at their peak; joining the locals for a mountain climb to admire the autumn colors is an excellent experience. For those seeking a challenge, the sunrise on Mount Tai offers a breathtaking. The traditional temple fairs in the northern mountains are bustling and lively, where you can see folk performances and handicrafts.
Cultural Tips and Taboo Reminders
Please note when participating in the Chongyang Festival:When accompanying elders, yielding precedence is more important than any gift; offer blessings by saying “Chongyang” (Wishing you peace and health on Chongyang) rather than “Happy Festival”; avoid giving gifts like clocks or pears that have inauspicious homophones. Modern celebrations are diverse.
This guide will help you deeply experience the spiritual essence of the Chongyang Festival. While ascending to high places and gazing into the distance, you will also comprehend the unique Chinese of the cycle of life.
This autumn,why not embrace the spirit of Chongyang? Find your own “mountain”— a local hill, a park trail, or even a new personal challenge to ascend. Reach out to an elder in your life with a call, a story, or a moment of gratitude. Share your experience or a photo of your autumn view with the hashtag #MyChongyangClimb. Tell us, what does “rising high” mean to you this season? Let’s celebrate resilience, honor wisdom, and paint our own golden memories against the autumn sky.
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