The Origin of Double Ninth Festival

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is a significant traditional event in Chinese culture rich with history and customs. Celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar, the Chongyang Festival holds profound meaning rooted in ancient legends and traditions. The festival's name derives from the Chinese word "chong," meaning "double," and "yang," representing the number nine in the theory of Yin and Yang. This duplication of the yang number is considered auspicious, making the Double Ninth Festival a day for seeking good fortune and warding off danger. The origins of the festival trace back to the Warring States Period, with stories and rituals that have evolved over centuries. The Chongyang Festival is not just a day of cultural importance but also a time for families to come together, pay respect to ancestors, and engage in activities that promote health and longevity.

The legends and stories associated with the Double Ninth Festival add depth and intrigue to its celebration. One of the most famous tales is that of Huan Jing, a man who lived during the Eastern Han Dynasty. According to legend, Huan Jing was warned by a celestial being that a plague was coming on the ninth day of the ninth month. Advised to climb a high mountain, drink chrysanthemum wine, and carry dogwood leaves to avoid the disaster, Huan Jing did so with his family, escaping the plague that struck his village. This story underscores the customs of climbing high and drinking chrysanthemum wine during the Chongyang Festival. Another legend involves the ancient Chinese belief in the dangerous yin forces being at their peak during this time, requiring the strengthening of yang energy through various rituals. These legends have been passed down through generations, embedding the Double Ninth Festival deeply in Chinese folklore and highlighting its significance in warding off misfortune and promoting well-being.

The origin and evolution of the Double Ninth Festival reflect the dynamic nature of Chinese traditions and societal values. Initially rooted in ancestral worship and agrarian rituals, the Chongyang Festival began as a day to honor the elderly and pray for longevity. Over time, it incorporated elements of Taoist and Confucian thought, emphasizing harmony with nature and filial piety. During the Tang Dynasty, the festival gained imperial endorsement, becoming an official celebration with grand ceremonies and public participation. The practice of climbing high places, known as "denggao," became popular as both a physical activity and a metaphor for personal advancement. The use of dogwood and chrysanthemum, plants believed to have cleansing properties, became integral to the festival's customs. In contemporary times, the Double Ninth Festival has been designated as Seniors' Day in China, reinforcing respect and care for the elderly. The evolution of the Chongyang Festival illustrates how cultural practices adapt while retaining their core meanings, continuing to play a vital role in Chinese society.

The meaning of the Double Ninth Festival is multifaceted, encompassing themes of health, longevity, and filial respect. The duplication of the number nine, considered the highest odd number in the Yin and Yang numerology, symbolizes yang energy and is associated with positive attributes like strength and masculinity. The Chongyang Festival is seen as an auspicious day to expel negative influences and attract good fortune. Activities such as climbing high mountains or towers are not only traditional customs but also represent the pursuit of progress and elevation in life. Drinking chrysanthemum wine and wearing dogwood sachets are believed to prevent illnesses and cleanse the body and spirit. Moreover, the Double Ninth Festival serves as an occasion to honor the elderly, reflecting the Confucian value of filial piety. Families come together to pay respects to their ancestors and express gratitude toward older generations. The festival's emphasis on health, family unity, and moral virtues highlights its enduring significance in promoting social harmony and individual well-being.

In ancient times, Chinese people celebrated the Double Ninth Festival with a variety of customs that highlighted the day's cultural importance. Climbing high was a central activity, with people ascending mountains, hills, or tall towers to enjoy panoramic views, exercise, and connect with nature. This practice was believed to bring good luck and protect against diseases. Composing poetry and enjoying the beauty of autumn were also popular during the Chongyang Festival. Scholars and poets would gather to write verses inspired by the season's scenery, leaving a rich legacy of literature associated with the festival. Famous poets like Wang Wei and Du Fu penned poems that have become classics in Chinese literature. Wearing dogwood sprigs and drinking chrysanthemum wine were traditional ways to ward off evil spirits and promote health. Families would also visit ancestral graves to pay respects, clean the tombs, and make offerings, reinforcing familial bonds and honoring their heritage. The Double Ninth Festival was thus a time of reflection, cultural expression, and communal activities that strengthened social ties and preserved traditional values.