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The Chongyang Jie(重阳节), also known as Double Ninth Festival,, is one of China’s most meaningful traditional holidays. It falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month — a date where both numbers are yang, the most positive number in Chinese philosophy. Hence the name Double Yang or Double Ninth.
In Chinese culture, “nine” (jiu九) is homophonous with “long-lasting,” making this day a symbol of longevity and enduring love. Over time, it has evolved into a day dedicated to honoring elders — a “Seniors’ Festival” that celebrates health, family, and gratitude.
Traditional Customs: Carrying Blessings Through Generations
The Double Ninth Festival is rich with rituals that reflect deep cultural symbolism.
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Climbing High (登高远眺) – An ancient tradition inspired by mountain worship, symbolizing rising in fortune and good health.
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Appreciating Chrysanthemums (赏菊) – Since the Wei and Jin dynasties, admiring chrysanthemums has been a poetic way to celebrate autumn’s beauty.
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Wearing Dogwood (佩插茱萸) – This fragrant herb is believed to ward off evil and disease. People used to carry it in small red pouches or wear it in their hair — a wish for safety and long life.
Festive Foods: Tastes of Blessing and Warmth
During the Double Ninth Festival, food is more than nourishment — it carries heartfelt wishes for good health and long life.
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Lamb Noodles (羊肉面) – The long, smooth noodles symbolize longevity, while “yang” sounds like “sun,” representing warmth and vitality. A perfect, nourishing dish for elders in autumn.
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Chongyang Cake (重阳糕) – Soft, sweet, and fragrant, this festive pastry dates back centuries. “Cake” (gao) sounds like “high,” symbolizing progress and “reaching new heights.”
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Chrysanthemum Wine (菊花酒) – Infused with chrysanthemum petals, this aromatic wine was once called “the auspicious drink of longevity.”
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Crab and Rice Cakes (螃蟹 & 糍粑) – Seasonal delicacies that bring flavor and abundance to the table.
The Festival in Poetry
The spirit of the Double Ninth Festival has long been celebrated in Chinese literature.
- “Thinking of My Brothers on Mount Zhongnan” by Wang Wei conveys homesickness and affection for family.
- “Passing My Old Friend’s Farmhouse” by Meng Haoran depicts reunion and harmony.
- “White Chrysanthemums at the Double Ninth Banquet” by Bai Juyi honors the noble spirit of autumn flowers.Each verse carries the warmth of human connection — timeless emotions shared across generations.
How Chinese People Celebrate Today
Today, the Double Ninth Festival continues to connect generations and communities across China, blending ancient customs with modern expressions of care and gratitude.
In southern China, villagers still honor the season’s bounty with the tradition of “sun-drying the harvest” (晒秋) — rooftops and courtyards burst with golden corn, red chilies, and grains laid out beneath the autumn sun, creating a vivid tapestry of abundance and gratitude.
Elsewhere, families take to open fields or mountain tops to fly kites (放纸鸢) — a joyful way to “release misfortune” and send prayers for peace and good luck into the sky.
Many also visit elders, climb hills, or gather for family meals, sharing seasonal delicacies like chrysanthemum wine and double-ninth cakes. These gestures express love, respect, and the wish for long-lasting health — timeless values that remain at the heart of Chinese culture.Though celebrated in different ways today, the spirit of the Double Ninth Festival endures — a reminder to honor life, cherish family, and find beauty in each turning season.
Luxury Gifting with Meaning: Celebrate the Festival with Sinocultural
At Sinocultural, we believe that true cultural luxury lies in heritage, craftsmanship, and heartfelt expression. The Double Ninth Festival is the perfect time to honor beloved elders with thoughtful gifts that blend art and affection.
For mothers and grandmothers, we recommend our Embroidered Magnolia or Peony Handbags — symbols of grace, prosperity, and everlasting beauty. Or wrap them in the warmth of our luxurious wool scarves, a perfect luxury gift for autumn and winter.
Embroidery Leather Black Lady Bag Gold Peony Luxury Handbag
If your loved one was born in the Year of the Horse (1954, 1966, 1978), our 2026 Happy Horse Year Embroidered Scarf is a meaningful gesture — celebrating vitality and good fortune.
Luxury Embroidered Wool Cashmere Scarf – 2026 Happy Horse Year Design
For fathers and grandfathers, explore our Chinoiserie Floral Bone China Tea Sets or Golden Butterfly Coffee Sets, where art meets refinement — timeless pieces that elevate daily rituals with elegance.
Because in every thread, every cup, every gift — we weave a message of love, gratitude, and heritage.
This Double Ninth Festival, celebrate family, honor longevity, and share the warmth of Chinese tradition — with Sinocultural.
Conclusion
As the crisp autumn breeze whispers through golden leaves, the Double Ninth Festival reminds us to pause, reflect, and cherish the people who shaped our lives. Whether it’s a soft embroidered wool scarf for your beloved elder or an elegant tea set that warms shared conversations, every thoughtful gesture carries the essence of filial piety and grace.
This season, let luxury meet meaning — celebrate longevity, love, and the timeless beauty of Chinese tradition with Sinocultural.
