Chongyang Festival, also known as Senior’s Day or the Double-Ninth Festival, falls on the ninth day of the ninth month in Chinese lunar calendar. Yijing (The Book of Changes) defines the number nine as a symbol of yang, which indicates masculinity in Chinese. Meanwhile, since double-ninth is pronounced much the same as longevity in Chinese, this day has become related to respecting the elderly and paying tribute to the deceased. There are five typical activities people usually do on Chongyang Festival.
Climbing
Sep 9th in the lunar calendar falls in the middle of autumn, during which time the sky is crystal clear and the withered leaves blanket the ground in gold and sepia tones. It is the best time of year to go climbing and enjoy the stunning autumn scenery.
Wearing dogwood leaves
Dogwoods have simple, untoothed leaves that can be made into a poultice to cover wounds, treat pains and fevers. Ancient Chinese people consider dogwood leaves able to wash away bad luck, as well as bring people happiness and safety.
Eating Chongyang cakes
The Chong yang cake is made of chrysanthemum, jujubes, pecans and other seasonal fruit. The Chongyang cake has a special related to celebrating the harvest around Sep 9th in the lunar calendar. In Chinese, cake is pronounced much the same as high. Eating cakes represents Chinese people’s wish to have a higher standard of living.
Admiring the beauty of chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum blooms on Chongyang Festival. During ancient times people considered chrysanthemums to be a symbol of longevity. So, they gathered on the Festival to savor chrysanthemum wine and admire the beauty of this flower, for which they would write elegant poems. In some regions in Southeast China, people celebrate the festival by flying paper kites.
Taking care of the elderly
Respecting the elderly is a traditional virtue in China. Since 2013, Sep 9th in the lunar calendar was designated as Senior’s Day by the government. On this day, many schools, enterprises and volunteer groups will hold parties nursing homes and organize trips for senior citizens.
By: Cai Wenting
