Editor’s note: The Chongyang Festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival to show respect, love and support for the elderly. It falls on the ninth day of the ninth Chinese lunar month, which is Oct. 11 this year.The “chong” in Chongyang means double, while “yang” refers to the number “nine.” Therefore, Chongyang literally denotes “double nines,” implying a long and healthy life in Chinese culture. In 2006, the festival was designated as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage.On the Chongyang Festival, families typically gather for reunion feasts at home or in restaurants, expressing wishes for their elders’ health and longevity. This custom is believed to have developed from ancient harvest celebration banquets. By the time of the festival, most farming activities have concluded, and communities hold rituals to mark the year’s harvest.Climbing mountains or visiting high places is another popular Chongyang activity. This practice originated from ancient mountain worship and the appreciation of autumn’s clear skies, fresh air and outdoor pursuits.In some regions, people prepare Chongyang cakes, also known as chrysanthemum, flower, or five-color cakes. The word “cake” has the same pronunciation as “height” in Chinese , and so symbolizes ascension. Parents make these cakes to express their wishes for their children’s future achievements.The festival also provides an opportunity to appreciate chrysanthemums in full bloom. Chrysanthemums are regarded as a symbol of longevity by the Chinese people because they blossom in late fall when temperatures drop, and most other flowers have lost their petals.Since the third century, appreciating chrysanthemums, drinking wine, socializing with friends and composing poems during the Chongyang Festival have been popular activities in China. These folk customs continue to be widely observed across the country today.
