Introduction to the Double Ninth Festival The Double Ninth Festival dates back to the Warring States Period and has a long history in Chinese culture.

During the Han Dynasty, it was known as the Zhuyu Festival or the Chrysanthemum Festival, reflecting popular customs such as drinking chrysanthemum wine, eating specially prepared cakes, and hanging zhuyu (cornus officinalis) on doors for protection.

The festival takes place during a time of clear skies and crisp autumn air, making it an ideal season for outdoor activities -- especially mountain climbing, which remains one of the most popular traditions associated with the day.

These customs, particularly wearing zhuyu and climbing mountains, were believed in ancient times to ward off illness and misfortune.

By the Tang Dynasty, appreciating chrysanthemums and climbing mountains had become central features of the celebration.

Additional activities also emerged, including attending mountain fairs, honoring ancestors at their graves, hunting, worshipping the God of Fortune, and even practices such as foot-binding for young girls, reflecting the social customs of that era.

Today, the Double Ninth Festival has been designated as Senior Citizens' Day in China, a time to show respect, care, and appreciation for the elderly.

The Origin of the Double Ninth Festival The Double Ninth Festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar. It is one of China's traditional festivals and is also known as the Double Yang Festival.

According to the principles of yin and yang in Chinese philosophy, the number nine is considered a "yang" number. The repetition of this number symbolizes strength and vitality, giving the festival its name.

Historically, the festival was also referred to as the Mountain-Climbing Festival and the Zhuyu Festival, due to the widespread customs of climbing mountains and wearing zhuyu.