Double Ninth Festival

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. In Chinese folklore, the number nine is the largest digit and is a homonym for the word jiu, which carries the auspicious meaning of “a long and healthy life.”

Food Customs:

According to China Daily, the festival‘s signature delicacy is Chongyang cake, also known as flower cake, chrysanthemum cake, or five-color cake. It dates back to the Zhou Dynasty and was originally prepared after autumn harvests. The cake was usually made of glutinous rice flour, millet flour, or bean flour. Because gao (糕, cake) shares the pronunciation with gao (高, high), people hope to achieve higher positions in life by eating it on the Double Ninth Day. In some regions, parents place a piece of cake on their children‘s foreheads, wishing them success in all endeavors.

Chrysanthemum wine is another essential part of the festival. According to China Daily, people traditionally picked fresh chrysanthemum flowers and leaves on the festival day, steeped them in wine, and drank it the following year. It is believed to have effects on sharpening the eyes, alleviating headaches, lowering blood pressure, reducing weight, and relieving stomach discomfort — hence it is also called “longevity wine”. Modern celebrations also include chrysanthemum tea and cakes, enjoyed alongside family gatherings.

Dressing and Customs:

The Double Ninth Festival is traditionally a time for climbing heights, admiring chrysanthemums, and wearing dogwood. As China Daily notes, dogwood has a strong fragrance and its twigs and leaves can be used medicinally to expel insects, get rid of humidity, aid digestion, and cure inner heat. People wore it on their arms, in sachets, or in their hair to prevent diseases and avoid disasters. In modern times, the festival has also become China‘s Seniors’ Day, honoring the traditional virtues of filial piety and family love.

Source: Chinajob