Historical Background
The Chongyang Festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday observed on the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Its historical roots trace back to the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD), as noted by Wu Jun .
In Chinese culture, the number nine is associated with yang (阳), a positive and masculine spiritual force. The ninth day of the ninth month, therefore, doubles the yang element, making it an auspicious day, hence its name "Double Yang Festival" (重陽節) . This day is marked by several traditional customs, including climbing mountains, drinking chrysanthemum liquor, and wearing the zhuyu (茱萸) plant (Cornus officinalis), both of which are believed to have cleansing properties . Additionally, visiting ancestral graves to pay respects is a common practice during this festival .
The festival's origins are believed to be as ancient as the Warring States period. One legend attributes the customs of mountain climbing and drinking chrysanthemum wine to Fei Changfang and his disciple Huan Jing during the Han dynasty. Fei advised Huan to take his family to the mountains with chrysanthemum wine and food on the ninth day of the ninth month, which ultimately saved them from a plague that killed their livestock . Another story links the festival to a maid named Jia from Emperor Gaozu of Han's court, who spread the palace customs of wearing dogwood and drinking chrysanthemum wine among the common people after being expelled by Empress Lü .
In modern times, the Chongyang Festival has evolved from a day to ward off danger into a day of celebration similar to the Chinese New Year. In 1966, Taiwan rededicated it as "Senior Citizens' Day," highlighting the tradition of caring for and appreciating the elderly, a practice also observed in Mainland China . Today, activities such as hiking, appreciating chrysanthemums, flying kites, making flower cakes, and hosting family reunions are popular. In some areas, rice cakes decorated with colorful flags representing zhuyu are sold, and chrysanthemum tea or wine is commonly consumed. Children often learn poems about chrysanthemums, and localities may hold chrysanthemum exhibits and mountain climbing races, with winners adorned with zhuyu wreaths.
Legend of the Chongyang Festival
The Chongyang Festival, like many traditional Chinese festivals, is steeped in ancient legends. One of the most enduring tales dates back to the East Han Dynasty, when a malevolent devil of the plague terrorized the people living around the Ruhe River. This devil would periodically emerge, spreading disease and death. The local inhabitants suffered immensely from these devastating outbreaks.
Among those affected was a young man named Huan Jing. Tragically, his parents succumbed to the plague, and Huan Jing himself barely survived. Determined to put an end to the suffering, Huan Jing decided to learn the mystical arts in hopes of vanquishing the plague devil. He embarked on a long and arduous journey to find a rumored immortal who resided in the eastern mountains.
After much perseverance, Huan Jing finally found the immortal. Impressed by Huan Jing’s determination and pure heart, the immortal agreed to teach him the secrets needed to defeat the devil of the plague. Huan Jing diligently learned the necessary magic arts.
One day, the immortal revealed to Huan Jing that the devil of the plague would reappear on the ninth day of the ninth month. Armed with this knowledge, Huan Jing returned to his village with a plan. He instructed his family and fellow villagers to ascend a nearby mountain on that specific day. He provided everyone with a Zhuyu leaf and a glass of chrysanthemum wine, as both were believed to have protective properties.
As foretold, the devil of the plague emerged from the river on the ninth day of the ninth month. However, the scent of the Zhuyu leaves and chrysanthemum wine disoriented the devil, making it vulnerable. Seizing the moment, Huan Jing wielded his sword and slew the devil of the plague, freeing his people from its malevolent grip.
Since then, the customs of climbing mountains and using Zhuyu leaves and chrysanthemum wine have become integral parts of the Double Ninth Festival, commemorating Huan Jing's bravery and the villagers' deliverance from the plague.
Themes and Symbols in the Chongyang Festival
The Chongyang Festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, is rich in themes and symbols that reflect its historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. Celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival is imbued with practices and traditions that emphasize health, longevity, respect for elders, and the appreciation of nature.
Yang Symbolism: Central to the Chongyang Festival is the concept of "yang," a principle from the I Ching that represents life, brightness, and masculinity. The number nine is considered a yang number, and the ninth day of the ninth month is viewed as having double yang, making it an auspicious and significant date. This double yang symbolism is why the festival is also known as the Double Yang Festival.
Climbing Heights: A prominent tradition during the Chongyang Festival is climbing mountains or high places. This custom, known as "height ascending," symbolizes the pursuit of higher status and the desire for longevity. The practice dates back to ancient times and is associated with expelling bad luck and disasters. The scenic beauty of autumn, with clear skies and colorful foliage, makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities and appreciating nature.
Chrysanthemum Appreciation: Chrysanthemums play a significant role in the festival's customs. The flower, which blooms during the ninth month, symbolizes longevity and is celebrated for its beauty and medicinal properties. Drinking chrysanthemum wine and decorating with chrysanthemum flowers are traditional activities that honor this resilient autumn bloom. Chrysanthemum exhibitions and poetic gatherings to admire the flower are also popular. Eating Chongyang cake, also known as chrysanthemum cake or flower cake, is a traditional culinary activity during the festival. Made from ingredients like chrysanthemum, jujubes, and various nuts, the cake represents the harvest and the wish for a higher standard of living. The word for cake, "gāo," is a homophone for "high," symbolizing aspirations for progress and improvement in life.
Dogwood (Cornus officinalis): Wearing dogwood leaves or inserting dogwood twigs into clothing is a common practice during the Chongyang Festival. Ancient Chinese believed that dogwood could repel evil spirits and bring safety and happiness. This practice reflects the festival's theme of seeking protection from harm and fostering well-being.
Respect for Elders: The Chongyang Festival is also known as Senior Citizens' Day, underscoring the cultural value placed on respecting and caring for the elderly. Activities organized by schools, enterprises, and volunteer groups often include visits to nursing homes, parties, and outings for senior citizens. This emphasis on filial piety and the well-being of older adults highlights the festival's role in fostering family bonds and community care.
Ancestral Veneration: Another key aspect of the Chongyang Festival is the commemoration of ancestors. Families visit graves to clean them, repaint inscriptions, and make offerings of food and incense. This practice reflects the theme of honoring those who have passed and maintaining a connection with one's heritage and lineage.
International Observance: The themes and symbols of the Chongyang Festival extend beyond China. In Japan, the festival is celebrated as Chōyō or the Chrysanthemum Festival, focusing on longevity and health. Traditional activities include drinking chrysanthemum sake and eating chestnut rice. In Korea, known as Jungyangjeol, the festival involves consuming chrysanthemum pancakes, climbing hills, and appreciating chrysanthemums, reflecting similar themes of health and outdoor activity.
In Contemporary Art
The Chongyang Festival is depicted through various mediums that celebrate its rich cultural heritage and legendary origins. Artists often draw inspiration from the festival's ancient legends, such as the tale of Huan Jing's heroic battle against the devil of the plague during the Han Dynasty. These narratives are depicted in paintings, sculptures, and digital art, capturing the essence of bravery, community spirit, and the triumph of good over evil. Modern interpretations often highlight the festival's traditional practices like mountain climbing, the use of Zhuyu leaves, and the enjoyment of chrysanthemum wine, blending historical significance with artistic expression.
Natalia Rezanova, Dew, 2021. Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 70cm x 80cm.
Natalia Rezanova's painting Dew, created in 2021, intricately weaves the essence of the Chongyang Festival into a contemporary artistic expression. Rendered in acrylic on canvas, the artwork vividly captures the delicate morning dew collected from chrysanthemum petals, emphasizing their mythical association with longevity and youthfulness in Chinese folklore. The dew, believed to possess rejuvenating properties when used to wash one's face, symbolizes the festival's themes of vitality and renewal. Rezanova's choice of medium and meticulous attention to detail not only evoke the serene beauty of chrysanthemum blooms but also resonate with the festival's traditions of celebrating life and embracing nature's gifts.
Marius Vancea, Looking for the Nature, 2022. Painting, Oil on Canvas, 100cm x 200cm.
Marius Vancea's painting Looking for the Nature, completed in 2022 as part of his extensive project "Le mirage de soleil," resonates deeply with the spirit of the Chongyang Festival through its exploration of natural landscapes and journeys through picturesque terrains. Executed in oil on canvas, this artwork is a culmination of Vancea's six-year endeavor, encompassing over 40 paintings that depict his imaginary travels across Europe. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the vibrant shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged landscapes of Northern Ireland, Vancea's work evokes a sense of awe and reverence for nature's beauty, echoing the festival's tradition of climbing mountains to celebrate life and seek blessings for longevity. The expansive scope of "Looking for the Nature" not only invites viewers on a visual odyssey but also prompts reflection on the timeless allure of nature's grandeur, mirroring the Chongyang Festival's emphasis on reconnecting with the natural world and appreciating its transformative power.
The Chongyang Festival, or Double Ninth Festival, embodies a profound connection to Chinese cultural heritage and spiritual values. Originating in ancient legends of bravery and communal resilience, such as Huan Jing's heroic battle against the plague devil during the Han Dynasty, the festival has evolved into a celebration of vitality, longevity, and respect for elders. Symbolized by the auspicious double yang energy of the ninth day of the ninth month, traditions like mountain climbing, chrysanthemum appreciation, and ancestral veneration endure to this day, fostering family bonds and community spirit. Modern interpretations in art beautifully capture the festival's essence through contemporary mediums, celebrating themes of renewal, natural beauty, and the enduring spirit of cultural traditions. As the festival continues to resonate globally, its themes of resilience, harmony with nature, and the pursuit of higher ideals remain timeless and universally cherished.
Selena Mattei