The Legend of the Double Ninth Festival

In ancient China, there was a story about a man named Huan Jing. According to legend, during the Eastern Han Dynasty, there lived a man named Huan Jing who was very filial to his parents. One day, an immortal told him that on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, a great disaster would befall his family. To avoid this calamity, Huan Jing was instructed to gather his family and climb a mountain, drink chrysanthemum wine, and wear dogwood.

Following the advice, Huan Jing led his family up the mountain on the ninth day of the ninth month. When they returned home, they found all their livestock dead. It was believed that the dogwood and chrysanthemum wine had driven away the evil spirits that caused the disaster. From then on, people began to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival by climbing mountains, drinking chrysanthemum wine, and wearing dogwood as a way to ward off misfortune and show respect for elders.

This tale has been passed down through generations, becoming an integral part of Chinese culture. The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is celebrated not only in China but also in other parts of the world where Chinese communities exist. It is a time to honor the elderly and express gratitude for their wisdom and contributions to society.

Today, the festival continues to be marked with various activities such as hiking, poetry recitals, and traditional food offerings. These customs serve as a reminder of the importance of family bonds and the respect we should have for our elders. Through these practices, the spirit of filial piety and community remains alive, connecting us to our rich cultural heritage.