Traditions and Modern Celebrations of the Double Ninth Festival

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  In ancient times, people held sacrificial activities beside a golden rice field. Wisps of smoke rose in the sky.
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  A group of people stand on the top of a mountain, looking at the beautiful scenery in the distance. There is joy on their faces. They hold dogwood in their hands.
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  In a garden, there are chrysanthemums of various colors. People gather around the chrysanthemums and admire their beauty. Some people are taking pictures with cameras.
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  Several people sit at a table. There is a pot of chrysanthemum wine and several glasses on the table. People chat and taste chrysanthemum wine.
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  An old man is putting dogwood on a child. There is curiosity on the child's face.
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  In the community, a group of young people perform shows for the elderly. The elderly sit on chairs and watch the performances happily.
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  In an exhibition hall, there are calligraphy and painting works related to the Double Ninth Festival. People are appreciating them carefully.
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  A family is playing in a beautiful scenic area. The maple leaves on the mountain are red. There are happy smiles on everyone's faces.

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival or Elder's Day, is one of China's traditional festivals, usually celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. This festival is famous for its customs of climbing heights, admiring chrysanthemums, and drinking chrysanthemum wine, symbolizing health, longevity, and respect for the elderly.

I. Historical Origin of the Double Ninth Festival

The origin of the Double Ninth Festival can be traced back to ancient sacrificial activities and is closely related to the agricultural society of ancient times. In ancient times, September was the season of crop harvest, and people celebrated the harvest through activities such as climbing heights.

II. Traditional Customs of the Double Ninth Festival

1. Climbing Heights: On the day of the Double Ninth Festival, people will climb mountains or high platforms to pray for health and longevity.

2. Admiring Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums are the symbol of the Double Ninth Festival, and people will enjoy the blooming chrysanthemums, even holding chrysanthemum exhibitions.

3. Drinking Chrysanthemum Wine: Chrysanthemum wine is a traditional drink of the Double Ninth Festival, said to have the effect of prolonging life.

4. Wearing Cornus: People will wear cornus, which is a kind of fragrant herb, said to ward off evil and prevent diseases.

5. Eating Chongyang Cake: Chongyang cake is a special pastry, usually consumed on the Double Ninth Festival, symbolizing the wish to rise step by step.

III. Modern Evolution of the Double Ninth Festival

With the development of society, the ways of celebrating the Double Ninth Festival are also evolving:

1. Respect for the Elderly: Many communities and organizations will hold activities to respect the elderly, providing services and care for them.

2. Cultural Activities: Various cultural activities related to the Double Ninth Festival are held, such as poetry recitations and calligraphy and painting exhibitions.

3. Travel and Vacations: The Double Ninth Festival has also become a good time for travel and vacations, and many people choose to travel during this time.

IV. Cultural Significance of the Double Ninth Festival

The Double Ninth Festival is not only a festival celebrating health and longevity, but it also reflects the Chinese people's respect for the elderly and emphasis on family values.