How to Say Chongyang Festival in English
The Origin of Chongyang Festival
Chongyang Festival, also called the Double Ninth Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that usually falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. The origins of this festival can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.). According to legend, a man named Huan Jing missed his hometown so much that he climbed a mountain to see it from afar. Upon reaching the mountaintop, he found that the trees and flowers were dying. After consulting with a wise man, he learned that the ninth day of the ninth month was when evil spirits had the most power. To avoid being possessed by these spirits, people needed to climb a high place and drink chrysanthemum wine.
The Customs of Chongyang Festival
Chongyang Festival is now celebrated in many ways. One of the most common customs is climbing mountains. In some places, local authorities organize special climbing events. People usually carry chrysanthemum flowers or wear sachets filled with perfumed herbs on their clothes. In addition, they eat special foods, such as chongyang cake, chongyang dumplings, and chongyang wine. Chongyang cake is often made with bean paste and covered with a layer of red, yellow, and green cakes, while chongyang dumplings are stuffed with meat and mushrooms and steamed. Chongyang wine is made with chrysanthemum petals and fermented rice, and is said to have a beneficial effect on health.
The Significance of Chongyang Festival
Chongyang Festival is not only a time for people to enjoy the autumn scenery and have fun, but also a time for them to show filial piety and respect to the elderly. In Chinese culture, the number nine is considered auspicious and the elderly, especially those over 70, are believed to have reached a certain level of wisdom and experience. Therefore, people often visit their parents or grandparents and bring gifts to express their gratitude. In recent years, Chongyang Festival has become a national holiday and a time for people to relax and spend time with their families.
