The Double Ninth Festival (重阳节, Chóngyáng Jié) is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, usually in October. The day is also called Chrysanthemum Festival and is associated with many historical and cultural traditions. The most important aspects of this holiday are the veneration of older generations, the connection with nature and autumn changes, as well as special attention to the symbolism of chrysanthemums.
Unlike other Chinese festivals associated with the agrarian cycle, the Double Ninth Festival has a vivid philosophical basis, uniting the veneration of life and respect for elders. In this article, we look at the meaning and origin of this holiday, the traditions associated with its celebration, and also learn why chrysanthemum is considered an important symbol of this day.
1. History and origin of the Double Ninth Festival
1.1 Symbols of the number nine
The number nine is of particular importance in Chinese culture as it is associated with the concept of longevity and eternal life. In Chinese, the word for the number nine (九, jiǔ) sounds like the word for "longevity" or "long time." This makes the day, which falls on the ninth day of the ninth month, especially suitable for celebrating longevity and honoring elders.
1.2 History of the Holiday Origin
The double ninth festival has its roots in Ancient China, when the festival was associated with ancient rites and rituals aimed at cleansing and protecting against diseases that could be associated with the autumn months. The holiday was also associated with ancient beliefs about the importance of protection and health in late autumn, when nature was preparing for winter rest.
In the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), an official holiday was established in honor of the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month, which symbolized the holiday of chrysanthemums and the veneration of elders. The day has since become important to the Chinese, especially those associated with family values and caring for the elderly.
2. The symbolism of chrysanthemums and their meaning
2.1 Chrysanthemum as a Symbol of Longevity
One of the most important symbols of the Double Ninth Festival is chrysanthemum. This flower has long been associated with autumn, as well as with concepts of longevity, stability and beauty in adulthood. The chrysanthemum symbolizes vitality and resilience, as it blooms in the coldest and most difficult conditions of autumn.
- In ancient China, chrysanthemum has been used for medical purposes to treat various diseases and strengthen the body. Today, this flower continues to be a symbol of life and longevity.
2.2 A Flower Associated With Honoring Elders
For the Double Ninth Festival, the Chinese often decorate their homes with chrysanthemums, as well as serving them as gifts to older family members. The gift of chrysanthemum is considered a manifestation of respect and reverence for those who for many years shared their experience and knowledge with others.
- Traditionally, on this day, people also wear chrysanthemum bracelets or flower decorations, thereby symbolizing longevity and respect for older members of society.
3. Traditions and rites of the Double Ninth Festival
3.1 Pilgrimage and Mountain Climbing
One of the traditional rites associated with the Double Ninth Festival is climbing mountains or hiking to heights. The ancient Chinese believed that climbing high places brought cleansing and protection from disease, as well as improving health and prolonging life.
- People on this day go out into nature, spend time at an altitude where they can feel a connection with nature and promote health by walking through mountains or hills.
3.2 Grave Cleaning and Ancestral Veneration
Like many other Chinese festivals, the Double Ninth Festival is also associated with ancestral veneration. On this day, many Chinese visit the graves of their loved ones to honor the memory of the deceased and conduct rituals to strengthen their spiritual well-being.
- This day recalls the importance of family values and respect for older generations, which is an important part of Chinese culture.
3.3 Special dishes and treats
During the Double Ninth Festival, special dishes such as chrysanthemum tea and rice pies are prepared. This tea, made from chrysanthemum petals, is consumed both as a sign of respect for the symbol of the holiday, and as a means to promote health and maintain longevity.
- Traditionally, on this day, the Chinese also arrange family dinners with special dishes symbolizing the unity and longevity of the family.
4. Contemporary trends in celebration
4.1 Celebration in Modern Cities
Today in the big cities of China, the double ninth festival does not lose its relevance. In modern settings, many Chinese continue to observe traditions such as chrysanthemum gifts and visits to ancestral graves, but with the addition of modern traditions such as festivities, chrysanthemum exhibitions and concerts.
- In some cities there are also festive processions, where people participate in mass events dedicated to this holiday.
4.2 Holiday abroad
The double ninth festival is also celebrated by Chinese communities around the world, including in Southeast Asian countries, North America and Europe, where the Chinese retain their traditions and associate them with honoring ancestors and expressing respect for older generations.
Conclusion
The double ninth festival is not only a time to celebrate and honor ancestors, but also a day dedicated to health, longevity and connection with nature. Every year, this holiday retains its popularity and relevance, combining traditions with modern trends, and continues to be an important part of Chinese culture and identity.
Unlike other Chinese festivals associated with the agrarian cycle, the Double Ninth Festival has a vivid philosophical basis, uniting the veneration of life and respect for elders. In this article, we look at the meaning and origin of this holiday, the traditions associated with its celebration, and also learn why chrysanthemum is considered an important symbol of this day.
1. History and origin of the Double Ninth Festival
1.1 Symbols of the number nine
The number nine is of particular importance in Chinese culture as it is associated with the concept of longevity and eternal life. In Chinese, the word for the number nine (九, jiǔ) sounds like the word for "longevity" or "long time." This makes the day, which falls on the ninth day of the ninth month, especially suitable for celebrating longevity and honoring elders.
1.2 History of the Holiday Origin
The double ninth festival has its roots in Ancient China, when the festival was associated with ancient rites and rituals aimed at cleansing and protecting against diseases that could be associated with the autumn months. The holiday was also associated with ancient beliefs about the importance of protection and health in late autumn, when nature was preparing for winter rest.
In the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), an official holiday was established in honor of the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month, which symbolized the holiday of chrysanthemums and the veneration of elders. The day has since become important to the Chinese, especially those associated with family values and caring for the elderly.
2. The symbolism of chrysanthemums and their meaning
2.1 Chrysanthemum as a Symbol of Longevity
One of the most important symbols of the Double Ninth Festival is chrysanthemum. This flower has long been associated with autumn, as well as with concepts of longevity, stability and beauty in adulthood. The chrysanthemum symbolizes vitality and resilience, as it blooms in the coldest and most difficult conditions of autumn.
- In ancient China, chrysanthemum has been used for medical purposes to treat various diseases and strengthen the body. Today, this flower continues to be a symbol of life and longevity.
2.2 A Flower Associated With Honoring Elders
For the Double Ninth Festival, the Chinese often decorate their homes with chrysanthemums, as well as serving them as gifts to older family members. The gift of chrysanthemum is considered a manifestation of respect and reverence for those who for many years shared their experience and knowledge with others.
- Traditionally, on this day, people also wear chrysanthemum bracelets or flower decorations, thereby symbolizing longevity and respect for older members of society.
3. Traditions and rites of the Double Ninth Festival
3.1 Pilgrimage and Mountain Climbing
One of the traditional rites associated with the Double Ninth Festival is climbing mountains or hiking to heights. The ancient Chinese believed that climbing high places brought cleansing and protection from disease, as well as improving health and prolonging life.
- People on this day go out into nature, spend time at an altitude where they can feel a connection with nature and promote health by walking through mountains or hills.
3.2 Grave Cleaning and Ancestral Veneration
Like many other Chinese festivals, the Double Ninth Festival is also associated with ancestral veneration. On this day, many Chinese visit the graves of their loved ones to honor the memory of the deceased and conduct rituals to strengthen their spiritual well-being.
- This day recalls the importance of family values and respect for older generations, which is an important part of Chinese culture.
3.3 Special dishes and treats
During the Double Ninth Festival, special dishes such as chrysanthemum tea and rice pies are prepared. This tea, made from chrysanthemum petals, is consumed both as a sign of respect for the symbol of the holiday, and as a means to promote health and maintain longevity.
- Traditionally, on this day, the Chinese also arrange family dinners with special dishes symbolizing the unity and longevity of the family.
4. Contemporary trends in celebration
4.1 Celebration in Modern Cities
Today in the big cities of China, the double ninth festival does not lose its relevance. In modern settings, many Chinese continue to observe traditions such as chrysanthemum gifts and visits to ancestral graves, but with the addition of modern traditions such as festivities, chrysanthemum exhibitions and concerts.
- In some cities there are also festive processions, where people participate in mass events dedicated to this holiday.
4.2 Holiday abroad
The double ninth festival is also celebrated by Chinese communities around the world, including in Southeast Asian countries, North America and Europe, where the Chinese retain their traditions and associate them with honoring ancestors and expressing respect for older generations.
Conclusion
The double ninth festival is not only a time to celebrate and honor ancestors, but also a day dedicated to health, longevity and connection with nature. Every year, this holiday retains its popularity and relevance, combining traditions with modern trends, and continues to be an important part of Chinese culture and identity.