What Is Double Ninth Festival?
The Double Ninth Festival, known as Chongyang Festival (重阳节) in Mandarin, is a traditional Chinese observance held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. It is characterised by its association with the number nine, which carries cultural significance related to longevity and the “yang” principle in traditional Chinese cosmology. The festival encompasses various customs aimed at ensuring health, warding off misfortune, and honouring ancestors.
Over time, the Double Ninth Festival has evolved to also become a day for showing respect and care for the elderly. This aspect gained official recognition in mainland China in 1989 when it was designated as Senior Citizens’ Day or Elderly Day, underscoring its role in promoting filial piety and intergenerational harmony. Its observance reflects deeply embedded cultural values concerning family, age, and a connection to historical traditions.
History and Origins of Double Ninth Festival
The historical roots of the Double Ninth Festival can be traced back to the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), with official recognition during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). It became a widely celebrated folk festival during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). The name “Chongyang” translates to “double yang,” referring to the two nines, as nine is considered a “yang” number, representing brightness and positivity in the I Ching.
A well-known legend associated with the festival tells the story of Fei Changfang, a Daoist master, and his disciple Heng Jing. Fei Changfang warned Heng Jing of an impending disaster on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, instructing him to take his family to a high mountain, drink chrysanthemum wine, and wear sprigs of dogwood. Upon their return, they found their livestock had perished, saving their lives from the impending plague. This myth established several key traditions of the festival.
How Double Ninth Festival Is Celebrated
Celebrations for the Double Ninth Festival typically involve a series of traditional customs focused on health, protection from misfortune, and veneration of the elderly. These practices are deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and have been passed down through generations.
Ascending High Places
One of the most prominent traditions is “deng gao” (登高), meaning “ascending to a high place.” This involves climbing mountains, hills, or even tall buildings. This practice originates from the legend of Heng Jing and is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. It also offers an opportunity to enjoy the autumn scenery.
Drinking Chrysanthemum Wine and Eating Chongyang Cake
Chrysanthemums bloom around the time of the festival, and the flower plays a significant role. People drink chrysanthemum wine, believing it can prolong life and protect against illness. The custom of “shang ju” (赏菊), appreciating chrysanthemums, includes visiting chrysanthemum exhibitions or simply admiring the flowers. Another traditional food is Chongyang cake (重阳糕), a steamed cake often decorated with flags, nuts, and fruit, symbolising ascension and good fortune.
Respect for the Elderly
In contemporary China, the Double Ninth Festival has also become a day to honour the elderly. Families often gather to spend time with older relatives, offer gifts, and show appreciation. Activities include helping with household chores, preparing special meals, or taking them out for excursions. This emphasis on filial piety reflects the deep cultural value placed on respecting one’s elders.
When Is Double Ninth Festival?
The Double Ninth Festival is observed on the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Because the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, its dates vary each year when translated to the Gregorian calendar. Consequently, the Double Ninth Festival typically falls in October, occasionally in late September or early November.
In mainland China, while widely observed, it is not a statutory public holiday for most of the population. However, in the Special Administrative Region of Macau, the Double Ninth Festival is designated as a public holiday, meaning government offices, schools, and many businesses close for the day. This difference highlights regional variations in official observance, even within Chinese culture.
Double Ninth Festival Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Observance / Traditional / Cultural |
| Date | 9th day of the 9th lunar month (variable on Gregorian calendar) |
| Countries | 2 countries (China, Macau) |
| Also known as | Chongyang Festival, Senior Citizens’ Day, Elderly Day |
| Calendar system | Chinese Lunar Calendar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the number nine in Double Ninth Festival?
In Chinese numerology, the number nine is considered the largest single digit and is associated with longevity and masculinity. As the ninth day of the ninth month, the festival represents "double yang" (two nines), hence its name "Chongyang" and its association with enduring life and good fortune.
Why is climbing mountains or high places a tradition during the Double Ninth Festival?
This tradition originates from an ancient legend where a man named Heng Jing was advised to take his family to a high place to avoid a plague. It symbolises warding off misfortune and seeking health. Today, it is also a way to enjoy the autumn scenery and promote physical activity.
Is the Double Ninth Festival a public holiday in all regions?
The Double Ninth Festival is a public holiday in Macau, where government offices, schools, and most businesses close. In mainland China, it is an officially recognised traditional festival but is not a public holiday for most of the population, although special observances for the elderly are common.