The Legend of Huan Jing & The Plague Demon
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, a plague demon inhabited the Nu River, bringing disease and death. A brave young man named Huan Jing lost his parents to the plague and sought out an immortal master to learn magic and martial arts to defeat it.
[ Autumn Mountain Climbing ]
Before the 9th day of the 9th month, his master gave him a bundle of zhuyu (cornel) leaves and a jug of chrysanthemum wine. Following the master’s instructions, Huan Jing led his villagers to the top of a mountain, gave them the herbs and wine to ward off the demon’s miasma, and successfully slew the beast with his magic sword.
1. Temporal & Astronomical Foundation (时间与天文历法层)
The Double Ninth Festival (重阳节 - Chongyang) falls on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month.
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Mountain Climbing
登高辞青
Hiking up mountains in autumn to avoid bad luck and absorb the crisp, fresh air.
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Chrysanthemum
赏菊饮酒
Admiring blooming chrysanthemums and drinking their infused wine for longevity.
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Zhuyu Herb
佩插茱萸
Wearing the pungent cornel twig on the arm to repel autumn diseases and evil spirits.
In the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes), the number “9” represents the supreme Yang (masculine, active) energy. Therefore, the ninth day of the ninth month is “Double Yang” (Chongyang). While extremely powerful, ancient philosophy warned that excess Yang could be volatile, prompting the festival’s traditional focus on disease prevention and protection.
2. Philosophical & Belief Layer (哲学内核与信仰崇拜层)
- Farewell to Greenery (辞青): If Qingming in spring is “Ta Qing” (stepping on greenery), Chongyang in late autumn is “Ci Qing” (bidding farewell to greenery) before winter sets in.
- Longevity and Respecting the Elderly: Because “Nine Nine” (九九 - Jiujiu) sounds identical to “forever and ever” (久久), the day came to symbolize longevity. In 1989, the Chinese government officially designated Chongyang as Seniors’ Day (Seniors’ Festival) to honor and care for the elderly.
3. Ritual & Behavioral Layer (民俗与仪式活动层)
🏮 Climbing & Exorcism
- Mountain Climbing (登高): Inspired by Huan Jing’s legend, people climb mountains or high towers. The physical exertion in the crisp autumn air is considered an excellent way to strengthen the body against upcoming winter colds.
- Wearing Zhuyu (佩茱萸): Zhuyu (Dogwood/Cornel) is a pungent medicinal plant. People traditionally carry sprigs of it in cloth pouches on their arms or waists to drive away mosquitoes, dampness, and illness.
- Appreciating Chrysanthemums (赏菊): Chongyang is the golden season for chrysanthemums. Poets and scholars hold flower-viewing gatherings to admire the flower’s resilience against the frost.
4. Culinary & Material Layer (物资与应节食物层)
🍵 Autumn Longevity Diet
- Chongyang Cake (重阳糕): A steamed, multi-layered cake made of rice flour, sugar, and decorated with jujubes and nuts. The word “cake” (Gao) is homophonic with “high” (Gao), implying progress, promotion, and the physical act of climbing “high” mountains.
- Chrysanthemum Wine (菊花酒): Known as the “longevity wine,” it is brewed from chrysanthemum petals, rice, and herbs. It is believed to clear the eyes, lower blood pressure, and extend life.
5. Cultural Significance & Modern Legacy
The Double Ninth Festival masterfully blends ancient folklore about epidemic prevention with the enduring human desire for longevity. Today, it serves as China’s beautiful, nature-oriented Thanksgiving for senior citizens, encouraging families to step away from screens, climb a mountain together, and express gratitude to their grandparents.