Celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, the Double Ninth, or Chongyang Festival, celebrates the auspicious nature of the double digits as the word is pronounced in the same way as the word “long-lasting”. The festival also spawned the custom of climbing or moving to higher ground to avoid epidemics and sickness. This tradition has been carried throughout time and people still flock to mountains and hills on this day for leisurely outings.
A traditional food served on this day is the Double Ninth Cake. The word, gao, for cake, is pronounced in the same way as gao, for tall, or height. So Double Ninth cakes will usually have nine layers for good luck. Some are made of glutinous rice flour and decorated with nuts and seeds in a pattern that resembles flowers.
The ninth lunar month is also known as the chrysanthemum month. Chrysanthemum flowers are in full bloom during this month and the Chinese believe that the flower has great medicinal value as well as being a beautiful flower. Chrysanthemum wine and tea are also enjoyed on this day.
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