Double Ninth Festival

The Double Ninth Festival is a cherished Chinese holiday celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese calendar. This festival has a long history, with references dating back to before the Eastern Han period. The number nine holds special significance in Chinese culture as a yang number, according to the I Ching. Because the ninth day of the ninth month doubles this yang energy, it was historically considered a potentially dangerous day. To mitigate this excess yang, people engage in traditions like climbing high mountains, drinking chrysanthemum liquor, and wearing the zhuyu plant, also known as Cornus officinalis.

A major aspect of the Double Ninth Festival is honoring ancestors. People visit graves to pay their respects, clean the sites, offer food, and burn incense. In regions like Hong Kong and Macau, families come together to clean and repaint grave inscriptions and offer foods such as roast suckling pig and fruit.

Over the years, the festival has evolved into a broader celebration. Activities now include hiking, appreciating chrysanthemums, flying kites, making flower cakes, and welcoming married daughters back home.

The festival is also celebrated in Japan and Korea, where it goes by different names. In Japan, it is known as Chōyō or the Chrysanthemum Festival and is celebrated on September 9. In Korea, it is called Jungyangjeol and is also observed on the ninth day of the ninth month. Each country has its own unique customs, such as enjoying chrysanthemum-related dishes and partaking in outdoor activities.

The origins of the Double Ninth Festival are tied to a legend about a man named Heng Jing, who defeated a monster on this day, leading to the celebration of his victory. In modern times, the festival has taken on additional meaning, especially in Taiwan, where it is also known as Senior Citizens' Day. This emphasizes the importance of caring for the elderly. Festivities include cultural activities such as mountain climbing races, chrysanthemum exhibits, and enjoying traditional foods and drinks like chrysanthemum tea and wine.