The Double Ninth Festival: Honouring Tradition, Longevity, and the Wisdom of Chinese Medicine
The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Jie (重阳节), is a time-honoured celebration in China that takes place on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. Rich in symbolism and cultural significance, this festival is deeply rooted in ancient philosophy and continues to be cherished today—especially among those who value tradition, wellness, and the wisdom of elders. For practitioners and students of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as those connected with Phoenix TCM, the Double Ninth Festival offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the principles of health, longevity, and seasonal harmony.
What Is the Double Ninth Festival?
The Double Ninth Festival is one of China’s traditional festivals, observed annually on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar. In 2025, it falls on 29 October. The name “Double Ninth” arises from the repetition of the number nine, which holds special significance in Chinese cosmology. According to the I Ching (Book of Changes), odd numbers are associated with Yang—the active, masculine principle—while even numbers correspond to Yin, the passive, feminine force. The ninth day of the ninth month is therefore considered a day of double Yang, or Chongyang, symbolising strength and vitality.
Why Is It Celebrated?
Historically, the Double Ninth Festival has been associated with warding off danger and promoting health. Ancient legends tell of a man named Huan Jing who, warned by a sage of impending disaster, led his village to safety by climbing a mountain and drinking chrysanthemum wine. When they returned, they found the village devastated—thus the tradition of ascending heights and consuming chrysanthemum-based food and drink was born.
Over time, the festival evolved into a day to honour elders, celebrate longevity, and reflect on the changing seasons. In modern China, it is often referred to as Senior Citizens’ Day, with activities and ceremonies dedicated to showing respect and appreciation for older generations.
Historical Origins
The Double Ninth Festival dates back over 2,000 years, with its roots in the Warring States period and formal recognition during the Han Dynasty. It gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty, when it was officially designated as a national celebration. The festival’s association with climbing mountains and drinking chrysanthemum wine reflects both Daoist and Confucian values—emphasising harmony with nature, spiritual cultivation, and filial piety.
How Is It Celebrated?
- Climbing Mountains:
One of the most iconic traditions is ascending high places—mountains, hills, or even tall buildings. This practice symbolises rising above adversity and is believed to bring good fortune and health. In urban areas, people may visit parks or scenic spots to honour this custom. - Chrysanthemum Appreciation:
Chrysanthemums bloom in autumn and are closely linked to the festival. People drink chrysanthemum tea or wine, admire the flowers, and even incorporate them into dishes. The flower is revered in Chinese culture for its medicinal properties and symbolism of resilience. - Paying Respect to Ancestors and Elders:
Families often visit ancestral graves, clean tombstones, and make offerings. In contemporary society, the day is also marked by community events that honour senior citizens, including performances, banquets, and health check-ups. - Wearing Cornel (Dogwood) Sachets:
In ancient times, people wore sachets filled with zhuyu (Cornel or Dogwood) to ward off evil spirits and disease. Though less common today, this tradition reflects the festival’s protective and health-oriented themes.
Food and Drink Traditions
Chrysanthemum Wine:
This fragrant wine is the festival’s signature drink. Chrysanthemum is known in TCM for its cooling properties and ability to dispel wind and heat—making it ideal for autumn consumption. It’s also believed to support liver health and improve eyesight.
Double Ninth Cake (Chongyang Gao):
These layered rice cakes are often decorated with colourful fruits and nuts. The word gao (cake) is a homophone for “high,” symbolising elevation and progress. Some cakes are steamed with chrysanthemum petals or flavoured with osmanthus.
Seasonal Dishes:
Autumn vegetables, warming soups, and dishes featuring medicinal herbs are popular. Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and Chinese yam are used to strengthen the body and prepare for the colder months ahead.
Who Celebrates It?
The Double Ninth Festival is observed across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and among Chinese communities worldwide. It is also celebrated in Japan and Korea, where it shares similar themes of seasonal change and elder reverence. While not a public holiday in most regions, it remains a culturally significant occasion, especially among older generations and those engaged in traditional practices.
Connection to Traditional Chinese Medicine
For practitioners of TCM, the Double Ninth Festival aligns closely with seasonal health principles. Autumn is a time of transition, when the body must adapt to cooler temperatures and drier air. TCM emphasises nourishing the lungs, preserving Qi, and preventing seasonal ailments.
Phoenix TCM, a leading UK-based provider of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture supplies, encourages practitioners to use this time to reflect on seasonal adjustments in treatment protocols. Chrysanthemum, Cornel, and other herbs associated with the festival are staples in Chinese herbal medicine, used to balance the body’s internal climate and support immune function.
TCM also teaches that emotional well-being is crucial during seasonal transitions. The Double Ninth Festival’s focus on family, gratitude, and connection supports mental health and aligns with holistic healing principles.
A Modern Perspective
In today’s fast-paced world, the Double Ninth Festival offers a moment to pause, reconnect with nature, and honour the wisdom of age. For students and professionals in the TCM community, it’s a reminder of the enduring relevance of ancient practices and the importance of seasonal awareness in promoting health.
Whether you’re climbing a hill, sipping chrysanthemum tea, or sharing stories with elders, the spirit of Chongyang invites reflection, renewal, and respect. It’s a celebration not just of tradition, but of life itself.
FAQ
1. What is the Double Ninth Festival?
The Double Ninth Festival, or Chongyang Jie (重阳节), is a traditional Chinese celebration held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. It’s a day associated with longevity, health, and respect for elders, rooted in ancient beliefs about the power of the number nine and seasonal harmony.
2. Why is it called “Double Ninth”?
The festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month—hence “double nine.” In Chinese philosophy, nine is a Yang number, and doubling it creates a day of strong Yang energy. This makes it a time for boosting vitality and warding off misfortune.
3. How is the festival traditionally celebrated?
People climb mountains or high places, drink chrysanthemum wine, wear Cornel (Dogwood) sachets, and pay respects to ancestors. In modern times, it’s also a day to honour senior citizens with community events and family gatherings.
4. What foods and drinks are associated with the festival?
Chrysanthemum wine and tea are popular for their health benefits. People also enjoy Chongyang Gao (Double Ninth Cake), a layered rice cake symbolising elevation and progress. Seasonal dishes often include warming herbs and autumn vegetables.
5. How does the Double Ninth Festival connect to Chinese medicine?
The festival aligns with TCM principles of seasonal health. Autumn is a time to nourish the lungs and strengthen immunity. Herbs like chrysanthemum and Cornel are used in TCM to balance the body’s energy and support longevity—making this a meaningful time for practitioners and students of Chinese medicine, including those at Phoenix TCM.