Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Double Ninth Festival
- Other names for the Double Ninth Festival
- The date and origin of the festival name
- Celebrations in other Asian countries
2. History of the Double Ninth Festival
- Origin: Festivals during the Warring States Period
- Spread and popularization during the Han Dynasty
- Widespread celebrations during the Tang Dynasty
3. Legends of the Double Ninth Festival
- Background of the legend of Huan Jing beheading the demon
- Huan Jing's journey of learning magic and destroying the demon
4. Customs and activities of the Double Ninth Festival
- Hiking and ancestor worship
- Traditional food: Double Ninth Cake
- History and significance of chrysanthemum wine
- Symbolism of dogwood accessories
5. Celebrations of the Double Ninth Festival in other countries
- Japan's Chōyō Festival
- Traditions of the Heian period
- Chrysanthemum wine and specialties
- Korea's Jungyangjeol
- Origins during the Goryeo Dynasty
- Popularization and national holiday during the Joseon Dynasty
The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the "Nine-Nine Double Ninth Festival", is one of the most ancient and meaningful traditional festivals in China.
This festival is not only widely celebrated in mainland China, but also highly valued in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and other regions, as well as Asian countries such as Japan (called Chōyō) and South Korea (called Jungyangjeol).
Because the festival is scheduled on the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, it is named "Double Ninth Festival", which means auspiciousness and longevity.
The Double Ninth Festival is a unique traditional festival in Chinese culture. Its core spirit is to commemorate ancestors and pass on family culture. At this time of year, many people will go to the ancestral tombs to pay homage and express respect and remembrance, which is also one of the important customs of the festival.
History of the Double Ninth Festival: From a Court Ritual to a National Festival
The Double Ninth Festival is one of the oldest traditional festivals in China, and its history can be traced back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) more than 2,000 years ago. The early Double Ninth Festival was originally a court-exclusive ritual activity, mainly held by the emperor and nobles in the palace, reflecting the mystery and solemnity of the festival at that time.
Origin: Star Worship and Blessings
In the initial stage of the Double Ninth Festival, the core of the festival was the worship of a star, "Antares". As the brightest star in Scorpio, Antares is considered a symbol of the change of seasons, and its appearance marks the arrival of a good harvest and the fertility of the land. The ancients regarded stars as gods, and believed that worshiping stars could bring blessings and well-being, while avoiding disasters brought down by gods. Therefore, the early Double Ninth Festival was more about praying for blessings from natural gods, integrating a strong agricultural cultural background.
Han Dynasty: From the Palace to the People
During the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), the Double Ninth Festival gradually expanded from palace activities to folk life. According to historical legends, a concubine of Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, was persecuted by the queen and was forced to leave the palace and live a civilian life. This concubine brought the palace Chongyang customs to the people, allowing ordinary people to participate in the celebration of this festival. From then on, the Double Ninth Festival was no longer limited to the nobility, but became one of the important festivals for ordinary people to pray and worship.
The Three Kingdoms and the Jin Dynasty: Enrichment and Development of Traditions
During the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD) and the Jin Dynasty (266-420 AD), the Double Ninth Festival was further developed, and the festival activities became more rich and diverse. Drinking chrysanthemum wine and wearing Zhuyu (Cornus officinalis) became popular festival customs, and these traditions continued in later history. Chrysanthemum wine is believed to have the effect of exorcising evil spirits and avoiding disasters, while Cornus officinalis symbolizes blessing and protection.
Tang Dynasty: The Peak of Festivals
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), the Double Ninth Festival entered its heyday and became one of the important festivals celebrated by the whole nation. The Tang Dynasty not only designated it as an official festival, but also encouraged various cultural activities, such as climbing, chrysanthemum appreciation, and literati gatherings. The Double Ninth Festival is mentioned many times in Tang poetry, such as Wang Wei's "Remembering Brothers in Shandong on the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month", which expresses the family affection and homesickness in the festival culture.
The Double Ninth Festival activities in the Tang Dynasty were rich and colorful, with both the worship of ancestors and the elegant tastes of literati. This festival atmosphere deeply influenced later generations and is still an important part of the Double Ninth Festival culture.
The development of the Double Ninth Festival reflects the dynamic changes in China's traditional festival culture. From the early worship of nature, to the popularization of the Han Dynasty, to the participation of the whole people and cultural sublimation in the Tang Dynasty, the Double Ninth Festival is not only a custom, but also a reflection of social changes.
The festival has evolved from a simple "star worship" to a traditional activity centered on family and affection, reflecting a cultural shift from nature worship to humanistic care. This evolution of the festival's connotation has not only enriched the meaning of the festival itself, but also strengthened the importance of the festival in the hearts of the Chinese people.
The Double Ninth Festival activities in the Tang Dynasty were rich and colorful, with both the worship of ancestors and the elegant tastes of literati. This festival atmosphere deeply influenced later generations and is still an important part of the Double Ninth Festival culture.
The development of the Double Ninth Festival reflects the dynamic changes in China's traditional festival culture. From the early worship of nature, to the popularization of the Han Dynasty, to the participation of the whole people and cultural sublimation in the Tang Dynasty, the Double Ninth Festival is not only a custom, but also a reflection of social changes.
The festival has evolved from a simple "star worship" to a traditional activity centered on family and affection, reflecting a cultural shift from nature worship to humanistic care. This evolution of the festival's connotation has not only enriched the meaning of the festival itself, but also strengthened the importance of the festival in the hearts of the Chinese people.
Legend of the Double Ninth Festival: Huan Jing slays demons and eliminates evil
Like many traditional Chinese festivals, the Double Ninth Festival also has rich folk legends, the most well-known of which is the story of the warrior Huan Jing slaying demons and eliminating evil. This legend is not only full of legendary colors, but also reflects the spiritual connotation of the ancients praying for blessings and avoiding disasters, advocating courage and wisdom.
Demons rampant: The disaster of the Ru River
Legend has it that during the Eastern Han Dynasty, a monster appeared in the Ru River area and spread the plague to the surrounding villages. The monster not only polluted the river water, but also caused large areas of land to become barren. Villagers fell ill one after another, and many died because they could not resist the plague. The disaster swept the entire area, and people lived in fear and despair.
In this disaster, Huan Jing also lost his parents. He was determined to take revenge and vowed to find a way to eliminate the monster and bring peace to the villagers.
In this disaster, Huan Jing also lost his parents. He was determined to take revenge and vowed to find a way to eliminate the monster and bring peace to the villagers.
Seeking the Immortal: Seeking the method of slaying the monster
Huan Jing heard that there was a hermit living in the mountains who had a magical skill that could fight monsters. With a firm belief, he embarked on a long journey to find immortals. After countless hardships, he finally found a hermit in a remote mountain.
Huan Jing knelt in front of the hermit for two days and two nights. The hermit was finally moved by Huan Jing's filial piety and tenacity and decided to teach him swordsmanship and magic. Huan Jing practiced hard under the hermit's teachings and finally mastered superb skills and the power to slay demons. When Huan Jing's ability matured, the hermit told him that the monster would appear again on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, and reminded him that he must seize the opportunity to destroy the monster.
Huan Jing knelt in front of the hermit for two days and two nights. The hermit was finally moved by Huan Jing's filial piety and tenacity and decided to teach him swordsmanship and magic. Huan Jing practiced hard under the hermit's teachings and finally mastered superb skills and the power to slay demons. When Huan Jing's ability matured, the hermit told him that the monster would appear again on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, and reminded him that he must seize the opportunity to destroy the monster.
Prepare to meet the enemy: the blessing of dogwood and chrysanthemum
Before Huan Jing set off to return to the village, the hermit gave him a magic sword to slay demons, and told him to wear dogwood to drive away evil spirits and drink chrysanthemum wine to enhance physical strength and resist the poisonous gas of the monster. Huan Jing remembered the teachings and hurried back to the village.
After Huan Jing returned to his hometown, he immediately informed the villagers that the monster was about to attack, and instructed them to wear dogwood and drink chrysanthemum wine on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, and to move to the mountains for refuge.
After Huan Jing returned to his hometown, he immediately informed the villagers that the monster was about to attack, and instructed them to wear dogwood and drink chrysanthemum wine on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, and to move to the mountains for refuge.
Battle to Slay the Monster: The Victory of the Warriors
The monster appeared from the Ru River as expected, intending to abuse again. However, when the monster approached the village, it was suppressed by the fragrance of dogwood and the smell of chrysanthemum wine and became weak and powerless. Huan Jing seized the opportunity and fought a fierce battle with the monster. With his magic sword and excellent swordsmanship, he finally killed the monster and restored peace to the village.
Continuation of the Legend: The Origin of the Double Ninth Festival Customs
Huan Jing's deeds of slaying the monster moved the villagers. In order to commemorate this victory, the villagers would hold activities of wearing dogwood and drinking chrysanthemum wine every year on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month to pray for peace and good fortune. These traditions have gradually been integrated into the culture of the Double Ninth Festival and have become important customs followed by later generations.
This legend not only adds a mysterious and heroic color to the Double Ninth Festival, but also reflects the ancient people's awe of natural disasters and their desire to overcome difficulties through wisdom and unity. It is still an important part of the Double Ninth Festival culture, conveying the spiritual power of courage, wisdom and hope.
This legend not only adds a mysterious and heroic color to the Double Ninth Festival, but also reflects the ancient people's awe of natural disasters and their desire to overcome difficulties through wisdom and unity. It is still an important part of the Double Ninth Festival culture, conveying the spiritual power of courage, wisdom and hope.
Customs and Activities of the Double Ninth Festival
Many of the traditions and activities during the Double Ninth Festival are based on the above-mentioned Huan Jing legend.
People usually hike during the Double Ninth Festival and use this time to worship and clean the graves of their ancestors. Hiking during the Double Ninth Festival is often considered an energy purification ritual before worshiping the graves of their ancestors. Therefore, people believe that they will worship the graves of their ancestors with cleaner energy.
People usually hike during the Double Ninth Festival and use this time to worship and clean the graves of their ancestors. Hiking during the Double Ninth Festival is often considered an energy purification ritual before worshiping the graves of their ancestors. Therefore, people believe that they will worship the graves of their ancestors with cleaner energy.
Chai Wan Cemetery, Chung Yeung Festival in Hong Kong
Chongyang Cake: A Sweet Symbol of the Festival
Chongyang Cake is a traditional pastry that is loved during the Chongyang Festival. Made from rice flour, this pastry is usually made of multiple layers, each of which is filled with red beans, dried fruits, and other sweet ingredients. The multi-layered structure symbolizes rising step by step, echoing people's beautiful vision of rising step by step in career and life.
To add to the festive atmosphere, Chongyang Cake is often made into the shape of flowers or other auspicious patterns. Its color and taste are pleasing to the eye, and it also expresses blessings to relatives and friends. This pastry is not only a treat on the tip of the tongue, but also a delicious carrier of traditional culture.
To add to the festive atmosphere, Chongyang Cake is often made into the shape of flowers or other auspicious patterns. Its color and taste are pleasing to the eye, and it also expresses blessings to relatives and friends. This pastry is not only a treat on the tip of the tongue, but also a delicious carrier of traditional culture.
Chrysanthemum Wine: A Symbol of Exorcism and Longevity
Drinking chrysanthemum wine is one of the important traditions of the Chongyang Festival. This custom originated from the folk legend of Huan Jing beheading demons. Chrysanthemum is regarded as a symbol of nobleness and longevity in Chinese culture. The ancients believed that the fragrance of chrysanthemum can dispel evil spirits and purify the environment.
In modern times, many people still maintain this habit, believing that chrysanthemum wine can not only remove negative energy from the body and mind, but also bring good luck and health. In Feng Shui, chrysanthemums also symbolize peace and stability, so drinking chrysanthemum wine during the Double Ninth Festival also includes a wish for a safe and worry-free future.
In modern times, many people still maintain this habit, believing that chrysanthemum wine can not only remove negative energy from the body and mind, but also bring good luck and health. In Feng Shui, chrysanthemums also symbolize peace and stability, so drinking chrysanthemum wine during the Double Ninth Festival also includes a wish for a safe and worry-free future.
Wearing Cornus: Traditional Guardian to Avoid Evil
Cornus ornaments are another important tradition of the Double Ninth Festival, and their origins are also closely related to the legend of Huan Jing. According to legend, Huan Jing was able to avoid evil spirits after wearing cornus, so this plant was given the meaning of warding off evil spirits.
Traditionally, people would make cornus into necklaces to avoid bad luck. Today, this custom has also been innovatively developed, and cornus is made into various styles of ornaments, such as bracelets, pendants, and even integrated into modern clothing designs. This not only continues the tradition, but also makes it more suitable for modern people's lifestyles.
Traditionally, people would make cornus into necklaces to avoid bad luck. Today, this custom has also been innovatively developed, and cornus is made into various styles of ornaments, such as bracelets, pendants, and even integrated into modern clothing designs. This not only continues the tradition, but also makes it more suitable for modern people's lifestyles.
Cultural Implications of Festival Customs
Whether it is tasting Chongyang Cake, drinking chrysanthemum wine, or wearing dogwood, these customs carry the pursuit of happiness, health and longevity, and also reflect the profound wisdom of the harmonious coexistence of nature and man in Chinese culture. The traditional customs of the Double Ninth Festival are not only a heritage of history, but also an important link between the present and the future, adding a unique cultural color to modern life.
Variations of the Double Ninth Festival in other countries
The Double Ninth Festival is not only a traditional Chinese festival, it is also celebrated in many other countries that use the lunar calendar. Although these festivals have their own characteristics in form and customs, they all focus on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month and emphasize the themes of exorcising evil spirits and avoiding disasters and health and longevity.
Chrysanthemum Festival (Chōyō) in Japan
In Japan, the Double Ninth Festival is called the "Chrysanthemum Festival", also known as "Chōyō". This festival is similar to the Double Ninth Festival in China, symbolizing the exorcism of evil spirits and avoiding disasters, while incorporating unique Japanese cultural connotations.
- Legends and History
The most famous legend is "The Story of Kuanxi". According to legend, Kuanxi followed the advice of a fortune teller and took his family to the mountains on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month to drink chrysanthemum wine to avoid disasters. This legend is similar to the folk story of Huan Jing in China.
The Chrysanthemum Festival reached its peak in the Heian period (794-1185 AD), and was initially limited to the royal family and aristocratic circles. Over time, the cultivation and appreciation of chrysanthemums gradually became popular among ordinary people and became a cultural custom shared by all people.
- Food customs
Unlike the Chongyang Cake of the Chinese Double Ninth Festival, the Japanese enjoy a traditional delicacy made of a mixture of rice, chestnuts and salt during the Chrysanthemum Festival. In addition, chrysanthemum petals and eggplants soaked in rice vinegar are also special foods during the festival. These food customs fully reflect Japan's pursuit of the fresh and natural flavor of ingredients.
Jungyangjeol in Korea
In Korea, the Double Ninth Festival is called "Jungyangjeol", and its celebration history can be traced back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 AD). Although initially limited to the court and the aristocracy, it gradually developed into a traditional festival celebrated by all people during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910 AD).
- Historical Development
Under the promotion of King Sejong the Great (1397-1450), September 9th was established as a national holiday, which expanded the festival from aristocratic etiquette to ordinary people. Koreans express their wishes for health and longevity through mountain climbing, drinking and other means.
- Festival Activities
Similar to China, Korea's Central Festival is also closely related to respecting the elderly and commemorating ancestors, but the dietary customs tend to be more Korean traditional foods, such as grain rice and rice cakes. In addition, many Korean families will hold small family gatherings on this day to share food and exchange emotions.
Despite the different celebrations, Japan's Chrysanthemum Festival and Korea's Central Festival both reflect the universal desire to ward off evil and seek health and longevity. The cross-cultural inheritance of these festivals shows the common memories and values of the East Asian cultural circle in traditional lunar festivals, and also provides us with a unique perspective to observe regional cultural exchanges.
Conclusion
As one of the oldest traditional festivals in China, the Double Ninth Festival reflects the Chinese nation's awe of nature and life, as well as its deep desire for longevity, health and family reunion. Its evolution and inheritance in other East Asian countries demonstrate the cross-regional influence of this cultural heritage. Whether it is China's chrysanthemum appreciation on high ground, Japan's Chrysanthemum Festival, or Korea's Central Festival, these celebrations have incorporated their own cultural characteristics, forming a colorful festival landscape.
The Double Ninth Festival is not only a continuation of history, but also a pursuit and wish for a better life. No matter where we are, this day reminds us to cherish nature, respect traditions, and offer the most sincere blessings for family, health and happiness.
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