The Double Ninth Festival
the ninth day of the ninth lunar month
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The "Chong Yang Festival" is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar
month, and it is as such known as the Double Ninth Festival.
Origins: The festival began as early as the Warring States Period (475 -
221 BC). According to the yin/yang dichotomy that forms a basis to the Chinese
world view, yin represents the elements of darkness and yang represents life and
brightness. The number nine is regarded as yang. The ninth day of the ninth
month is a double yang day, hence the name "Chong Yang Festival". (Chong means
"repeat" in Chinese.) The ninth month also heralds the approach of winter. It is
a time when the living need warm clothing, and filial Chinese sons and daughters
extended this to make the festival a time for providing winter clothes for their
ancestors. The Double Ninth Festival, therefore, also became an occasion to
visit the graves of dead family members. Clothes made of paper would then be
burnt as offerings.
Climbing mountains: On the Double Ninth Festival, people customarily climb
mountains, appreciate chrysanthemum flowers, drink chrysanthemum wine, and eat
double-ninth cakes. The Double Ninth Festival is also the "Old Men Festival".
Old people are especially meant to improve their health by taking part in the
activities on the day of the festival.
Family get-togethers: The Double Ninth Festival is also a time for family
get-togethers. It is an occasion to remember one"s ancestors, the sacrifices
they made and the hardships they underwent. Often, family outings are organised
during which people search to renew their appreciation of nature and to reaffirm
their love and concern for family members and close friends. | 
发表于 2016-7-9 23:18:28