Gregorian Date
October 19, 1988
Lunar Date
9/9
Day of Week
Wednesday
The Double Ninth Festival (重阳节) originates from I Ching numerology, where nine is the ultimate Yang number. Recorded since the Warring States period, the tradition of climbing heights, wearing dogwood (Zhuyu), and drinking chrysanthemum wine gained popularity in the Han Dynasty as a protective ritual to ward off disease and celebrate longevity.
The Double Ninth Festival (重阳节/重陽節) falls on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. The number nine is considered yang (positive) in Chinese numerology, and the double nine symbolizes longevity.
Traditional activities include climbing mountains, drinking chrysanthemum wine, eating Chongyang cakes, and wearing zhuyu (dogwood) sprigs. It is also Senior Citizens' Day in China.
Chong Yang Jie An Kang (Wishing you peace and health on Double Ninth)
Chongyang Cake, Chrysanthemum tea/wine
Huan Jing defeated a plague monster by having villagers climb a mountain carrying dogwood sprigs.
Avoid saying 'Happy Festival' in traditional contexts; 'Peace and Health' is preferred.