The Origin and Customs of Chongyang Festival and Greetings

Origin of Chongyang Festival

Chongyang Festival, also known as Double Ninth Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month every year. It has been observed as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) over 2,000 years ago. The number \"nine\" is believed to be the largest odd number, which represents longevity and good fortune in Chinese culture. Thus, the festival is often regarded as a day to honor and celebrate the elderly, as well as to pray for good health and wealth.According to legend, a man named Huan Jing traveled to the top of a mountain on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month and met an immortal who gave him advice on how to avoid a plague that had been killing people in his village. Huan Jing followed the advice and saved his life and those of his fellow villagers. Since then, people have climbed mountains, drunk chrysanthemum wine, and worn cornel wood to ward off evil spirits and diseases on this day.

Customs of Chongyang Festival

Chongyang Festival is celebrated with various traditions and customs in different parts of China. One of the most common practices is climbing mountains or hills, particularly those that have the number \"nine\" in their name, such as Mount Jiuhua in Anhui Province and Mount Tai in Shandong Province. The activity not only provides exercise but also symbolizes reaching new heights in life and overcoming obstacles. Another popular activity on this day is drinking chrysanthemum wine and eating rice cakes. These two things are particularly significant because chrysanthemums are thought to have medicinal properties and can dispel evil spirits, while rice cakes are sticky and represent unity and harmony. People also fly kites, play games, and participate in other recreational activities that bring them joy and happiness.

Greetings for Chongyang Festival

On the Chongyang Festival, people usually send greetings to their elderly relatives and friends to show their respect and love. Some commonly used phrases include:- 祝您长寿健康，身体倍儿棒。(Wishing you a long and healthy life, and a strong body.)- 双九登高到，愿您步步高。(Climbing high on Double Ninth Day, may you achieve great success step by step.)- 敬老爱幼，品德高尚，愿您受到老天的眷顾。(Respecting the elderly, loving the young, and having noble character, may you be blessed by Heaven.)In addition, people also give gifts to the elderly, such as chrysanthemum branches, cornel wood, and health supplements, to show their care and concern. In conclusion, the Chongyang Festival is an important day in Chinese culture that celebrates longevity, good health, and respect for the elderly. Through various customs and greetings, people express their wishes for a happy and prosperous life.