The Double Ninth Festival Falls on 23rd, October

The ninth day of the ninth lunar month is known as the Chongyang Festival, or Double Ninth Festival. As the traditional festival in China, Chongyang Festival dates back to the Warring States (176-453B.C), and it was in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) that the day was set officially as a folk festival. In June 2012, Chongyang Festival has been stipulated as Seniors’ Day, according to the Draft of Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Seniors’ Rights and Interests.

 

 

Due to the same pronunciation of Nine (九) and Forever (久) in Chinese, people often worship their ancestors and stage activities for respecting the elders simultaneously. Therefore, Chongyang Festival has become a traditional day rich in folk customs. On this day, family members will go outing, ascend a mountain, enjoy chrysanthemums, and plug dogwoods, eat Double Ninth Cake, and drink chrysanthemum wine.

 

This year’s Chongyang Festival is different from the previous ones, in that it is the first Seniors’ Day, too. Many a sub district office in Guilin sees colourful activities for the elders, such as giving out coupons, holding parties and sport meetings.

 

As it happens, this year’s Chongyang Festival falls on 23^rd October, a day of Frost's Descent – the 18^th of the 24 solar terms. It is not only the last solar term of autumn, but also means the beginning of the winter.