All You Need To Know about Double Ninth Festival

China, as a country, is a thriving superpower with stunning natural landscapes and rich and ancient history, but that’s not all. This nation has deep roots in their old traditions and customs that keep them close and connected with each other. The Double Night Festival is just one of those festivals. While reading this blog, you’ll get to know the origin, customs & activities legends that have brought this festival to life. 

What is the Double Ninth Festival?

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. According to the ancient book Yi Jing, the number six is associated with the feminine Yin character, while nine represents the masculine Yang character. In Chinese, "Chong" means double. This day on the lunar calendar is considered auspicious and has been designated as the Senior's Festival since 1989 to show respect for elders, giving it new significance.

Double Night Festival: The Origin

Just like any other tradition in the world, the Double Night Festival has its very own legend. According to the story, during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220), a malevolent spirit dwelled in the Nu River, bringing sickness and death to the village whenever it reared its sinister head. This spirit's dark magic claimed the life of Hengjing's parents. In a determined effort to free his people from this malevolent presence, Hengjing embarked on an extraordinary journey to seek out an immortal who could teach him the art of swordsmanship to vanquish the devil.  His journey took him over numerous mountains until he heard of an immortal residing atop a steep peak. Driven by unwavering faith, Hengjing finally reached this sage, who, moved by his determination, imparted the secrets of swordsmanship to him for the purpose of expelling the devil.

After rigorous and relentless training, Hengjing became exceptionally skilled in the art of swordsmanship. On the eighth day of the ninth lunar month, the immortal informed Hengjing that the devil would reappear the following day, instructing him to return and rid the community of the evil spirit and the illness it brought. Armed with a bag of dogwood leaves and chrysanthemum wine, Hengjing returned to his hometown. As the morning of the ninth day of the ninth lunar month arrived, Hengjing gathered all the villagers, each holding a dogwood leaf (Zhuyu plant)  and a cup of chrysanthemum wine, and led them to the nearest mountain. At noon, when the malevolent spirit emerged from the Nu River, it suddenly halted, captivated by the fragrant scent of the dogwood and chrysanthemum wine. Seizing this moment, Hengjing engaged in a fierce battle with the spirit, ultimately defeating it with his sword.

Since that time, these rituals to protect against the devil have been passed down and widely practised. and the tradition of climbing mountains, enjoying chrysanthemum wine, and carrying dogwood leaves on the ninth day of the ninth month has gained popularity.

Double Night Festival Dates 

Customs and Activities of Double Ninth Festival

People engage in a variety of celebration-related activities on the Double Ninth Festival, including eating Chongyang cakes, sipping Chrysanthemum wine and enjoying the Chrysanthemum. 

1. Climbing Mountain 

In ancient China, when folks ventured the higher spots on the Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, it was fondly referred to as the Height Ascending Festival. The tradition is said to have its roots dating back to the East Han Dynasty when people would often make their way up mountains or towers. 

2. Eating Chongyang Cakes

According to historical records, the Chongyang cake went by different names, such as the Flower Cake, Chrysanthemum Cake, and Five-Color Cake. This unique dessert is crafted in the form of a nine-layer tower cake. At the very top, you'd find two sheep-shaped figures, typically made from flour. Some even like to add a small red flag and light candles as a finishing touch to this special treat.

3. Enjoy Chrysanthemum And Drink Chrysanthemum Wine

The Double Ninth Festival is a special time of the year, and the tradition of appreciating chrysanthemums and sipping chrysanthemum wine is thought to have started with the poet Tao Yuanming during the Jin Dynasty. Tao Yuanming, renowned for his poetry, had a deep appreciation for chrysanthemums, setting an example for others. Over time, this tradition caught on, and during the Song Dynasty, it became a widespread and cherished activity on the festival day. As time went on, people's love for chrysanthemums grew, not just during the Chongyang Festival but throughout the year, as they would venture outdoors to revel in the beauty of these flowers.

4. Inserting Zhuyu And Stick Chrysanthemum

In the Tang Dynasty, a practice that gained popularity during the Chongyang Festival was inserting Zhuyu, a type of plant, as people believed it had the power to ward off disasters. Additionally, women would adorn their hair with chrysanthemums or hang branches of these flowers on windows and doors to keep evil at bay. These customs reflected the strong belief in protection and good fortune during this special time of the year.

5. Family Get-Togethers 

As the Double Ninth Festival was officially recognised as a day to honour seniors in China, it has become a tradition for people to spend time with their elderly family members as a sign of respect. This special day offers a wonderful chance for entire families to come together, whether it's by climbing to scenic heights or going on an outing.

The Double Ninth Festival in China is deeply ingrained in the country's rich cultural heritage. Over thousands of years, it has evolved from ancient stories and customs into a special day focused on showing respect for older people, enjoying the outdoors, and strengthening family connections. This festival not only signifies the changing seasons but also underscores the importance of values like respect, family togetherness, and the enduring spirit of the Chinese people. It reminds us to cherish our elders, bond with our loved ones, and savour the beauty of the natural world.