Wishing you peace and health on the Double Ninth Festival · May you be blessed with longevity.

The refreshing autumn breeze blows and the sweet osmanthus fills the air; the Double Ninth Festival, which falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, has arrived as scheduled. It is a traditional Chinese autumn festival, also known as the Climbing Festival, the Double Ninth Day, the Autumn Sunning Festival, the Cornus Festival, and the Chrysanthemum Festival. Alongside Chinese New Year, the Qingming Festival, and the Ghost Festival, it is regarded as one of the four major traditional festivals for ancestor worship in China.

In the "I Ching" (Book of Changes), "nine" is considered a yang number. With two nines coinciding on the ninth day of the ninth month, it is named "Chongyang" (Double Ninth). On this day, yang energy reaches its peak, making it a vital moment for warding off evil, clearing away impurities, bolstering yang energy, and offering prayers.

 

The Origins of the Double Ninth Festival

At that time, when crops were harvested in the ninth lunar month, people would offer sacrifices to the Emperor of Heaven and their ancestors to express gratitude for their blessings. Ancient Taoists, in their pursuit of immortality, collected herbs to consume, a tradition that also influenced the customs of the Double Ninth Festival.

The history of the Double Ninth Festival can be traced back over two thousand years. As early as the Warring States period, people held celebrations after the autumn harvest to express gratitude for the abundance and nature. The "Lüshi Chunqiu: Records of the Final Month of Autumn" states: "(In the ninth month) order the household steward to ensure all agricultural produce is gathered and the five types of grain are secured. Store the harvest intended for the imperial granary with utmost reverence and discipline."

By the Han Dynasty, the "Miscellaneous Records of the Western Capital" recorded the words of court lady Jia Peilan: "On the ninth day of the ninth month, people wear cornus, eat herbal cakes, and drink chrysanthemum wine, said to grant longevity." Thus, the custom of seeking longevity became associated with the Double Ninth Festival.

By the Tang Dynasty, the Double Ninth was formally established as a folk festival, and after a thousand years, it remains a symbol of autumn in the hearts of the Chinese people.

Customs of the Double Ninth Festival

The ancients said: "Climb high to gaze into the distance, drink chrysanthemum to prolong life." Every year on this day, people take their families for autumn outings or climb to high vantage points to take in the vast scenery of the mountains and rivers. Some wear cornus, admire chrysanthemums, enjoy Double Ninth cakes, and drink chrysanthemum wine, feeling the harmonious resonance between humanity and nature in the golden autumn breeze.

Chrysanthemums and Cornus: Symbols of Autumn

During the Double Ninth season, chrysanthemums are in full bloom. The ancients viewed the chrysanthemum as a symbol of purity and resilience, calling it the "hermit among flowers." In the verses of poets, the chrysanthemum is not only the protagonist of autumn but also represents a spirit of elegance, steadfastness, and longevity.

As for the cornus, because of its refreshing fragrance, it was believed to help dispel the chill of autumn. The custom of wearing cornus on the Double Ninth symbolizes health and peace, reflecting the meticulous care the ancients took for their well-being.

Climbing and Gazing Afar: A Dialogue Between Humanity and Nature

"Climbing high" is the most representative activity of the Double Ninth Festival. The ancients believed that climbing could "avoid disaster and bring good fortune," but its deeper significance lies in re-examining the relationship between life and the universe from the heights of nature. Looking down at the earth from a mountain peak, the expansive view clears the mind and symbolizes a outlook toward the future and the sublimation of the spirit.

Modern people may no longer be fixated on "climbing to avoid calamity," but the sense of ritual in walking into the wilderness and drawing close to nature still brings inner peace. At that moment, we breathe with the autumn wind and beat in unison with the mountains and rivers, as if we have rediscovered our inner balance.

 

A Festival of Emotion: Gratitude and Reunion

The Double Ninth is not only a day for climbing and enjoying the autumn, but also a festival of gratitude and longevity.
"Nine-nine" symbolizes eternity, signifying family happiness and enduring kinship. On this day, many people spend time with their elders, convey blessings, and express their gratitude and longing.

Amidst this rich autumn atmosphere, the Double Ninth Festival reminds us to cherish the time spent together and feel the gentleness of the passing years; through gratitude and reflection, we add warmth to our lives.

The Charm of Autumn · Peace of Mind

The Double Ninth is a ritual of autumn. It allows us to slow down during the harvest season, express gratitude to nature, and reflect on life.

When we climb to gaze into the distance or admire chrysanthemums, we are also metaphorically climbing inward, searching for our own clarity and tranquility.

May this elegant autumnal grace from the East become a source of serene energy in everyone's heart.

Let us use our hearts filled with gratitude to wish our elders good health, and pray for balance and peace for ourselves and the world.