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The Double Ninth Festival

Honoring the Elderly and Embracing Spiritual Wisdom


What if an ancient festival could teach us timeless lessons about honoring elders and spiritual renewal? Celebrated annually on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, the Double Ninth Festival (重陽節/重阳节) offers not only a rich cultural history but also an opportunity to reflect on values that connect generations. In 2024, this significant day falls on October 11, and across Chinese communities worldwide, it’s a time to honor the elderly (敬老), hike to high places (登高), and appreciate the beauty of chrysanthemums (賞菊).

This 2,000-year-old festival is rich in both history and spiritual meaning. From a Christian perspective on traditional Chinese festivals, the Double Ninth Festival provides an opportunity to reflect on biblical values like wisdom, longevity, and honoring elders, blending cultural heritage with faith.

Origins and History of the Double Ninth Festival

The Double Ninth Festival has its roots in ancient China, with ties to celestial worship and agricultural society. The number nine, or “九” (jiu), is a yang number in Chinese cosmology, symbolizing vitality and strength. The festival is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar, a day when two powerful yang forces coincide. This gives rise to the name “Double Ninth” or “重陽” (Chongyang).

The symbolism of the number nine extends to the homophone “久久” (jiu jiu), which also means “long-lasting,” symbolizing a wish for eternal life and well-being. Legend has it that during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD), a man named Huan Jing (桓景) was warned by a Taoist immortal of an impending plague. Following the immortal’s advice, Huan Jing led his family to a high mountain on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, carrying chrysanthemum wine and Zhuyu (茱萸) leaves. The plague passed, leaving his family safe. Ever since, climbing high has been a tradition to ward off evil and pray for health and longevity.

Honoring the Elderly on the Double Ninth Festival: A Timeless Tradition

One of the key aspects of the Double Ninth Festival is the emphasis on honoring the elderly. In Chinese culture, the number nine (九 jiu) is associated with longevity, making the “double nine” day especially significant for celebrating long life and the wisdom that comes with age.

Today, the Double Ninth Festival is considered as Elderly Respect Festival (敬老節). Families would come together during the festival to visit elderly relatives, express gratitude, and celebrate their contributions. This resonates deeply with biblical teachings. Proverbs 16:31 says, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” Honoring elders aligns with Christian values, recognizing their life experience and spiritual wisdom.

Elderly Churches in China: Passing Faith Across Generations

During a conference I attended in early August, I had the privilege of chatting with scholars and pastors from around the world who shared their passion and mission for Christianity in China. One of them shared a surprising story about a church in China that has been thriving in an unexpected way. Naturally, I asked him why it was “unexpected,” and his response was simple yet profound: “Because the church is full of elderly people!”

The usual assumption might be that if a church is filled with elderly members, it would soon close its doors. “Where are the younger generations?” we might wonder. “How can the church continue without them?”

As it turns out, many young parents are busy working in the cities to provide better lives for their families, often leaving their children in the care of their grandparents. This has created an interesting dynamic: churches filled with elderly “grandparents” who, after encountering Jesus and becoming believers, naturally share the gospel with their grandchildren. In turn, these children, nurtured in faith by their caregivers, begin to pass the good news to their parents. Sharing faith across generations becomes a powerful testimony of how the gospel seed is being planted in the hearts of a new generation, and it doesn’t flow in just one direction but blossoms in all directions, reaching hearts in the most unexpected ways.

When I heard this story, I was both amazed and unsurprised. How great is our God! His plans are always full of unexpected grace. On this day, as we honor the elderly during the Double Ninth Festival, let us also give thanks for God’s wondrous and unexpected plans, which unfold through every generation in ways we may not anticipate.

Double Ninth Festival: Climbing Mountains as a Journey of Spiritual and Physical Elevation

One of the key traditions of the Double Ninth Festival is climbing mountains. In ancient times, this custom symbolized protection against evil forces. For Christians, the act of climbing a mountain can represent a spiritual ascent, mirroring the journey of faith.

Psalm 24:3 asks, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place?” Climbing requires effort and determination, just like our spiritual journey toward God. This tradition encourages us to seek spiritual wisdom and grow in our faith.

Chrysanthemums in the Double Ninth Festival: A Flower of Resilience and Renewal

Another important symbol of the Double Ninth Festival is the Chrysanthemum, which blooms in autumn and symbolizes resilience. In Chinese culture, chrysanthemums represent endurance and renewal—qualities that strongly resonate with Christian teachings.

As Romans 5:3-4 reminds us, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Like the chrysanthemum, which blooms in difficult conditions, we are called to persevere in faith and find strength in Christ through adversity.

The Historical Significance of Zhuyu in the Double Ninth Festival

The Zhuyu plant, also known as dogwood, has long been used in the Double Ninth Festival for protection. According to tradition, people would carry dogwood leaves to ward off illness and evil spirits. For Christians, protection comes from God. As Psalm 91:2-4 says, “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

This ancient ritual is a reminder that God is our ultimate refuge, providing both physical and spiritual protection.

Reflection and Renewal: The Heart of the Double Ninth Festival

The Double Ninth Festival is not only about honoring the elderly but also about reflecting on life and seeking spiritual renewal. As the old Chinese saying goes, “Having an elder in the family is like possessing a treasure (家有一老,如有一寶).” For Chinese Christians, this festival can serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring values that connect us across generations.

As we celebrate this day, we can reflect on the wisdom of elders, appreciate the beauty of nature, and draw closer to God. Like the resilience of the chrysanthemum and the strength required to climb a mountain, we can find hope and renewal in Christ.

Practical Ways to Engage with the Double Ninth Festival

For families and educators, the Double Ninth Festival presents an opportunity to teach children the values of honoring elders and respecting tradition. Sharing stories and picture books about the festival, such as the famous series 漢聲中國童話 (Hansheng Chinese Fairy Tale), can help children understand the importance of these cultural virtues. These stories teach that honoring the past and seeking wisdom are timeless values that connect us all.

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Image credit: TinyDoz by Adobe Stock
Andrea Lee

Andrea Lee

Andrea Lee serves as the Content Manager at ChinaSource. Originally from Taiwan, Andrea holds a BA in Chinese Language and Literature from Tunghai University and an MA in Comparative Literature from SOAS, University of London. With extensive experience in Chinese Christian ministries and editorial work, she focuses on building and maintaining …View Full Bio


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