Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang)
The 9th day of the 9th lunar month — a time for climbing heights, honoring elders, admiring chrysanthemums, and drinking chrysanthemum wine.
Days until the next Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang)
Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang) — Dates by Year
| Year | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024/10/11 | Fri |
| 2025 | 2025/10/29 | Wed |
| 2026← this year | 2026/10/18 | Sun |
| 2027 | 2027/10/8 | Fri |
| 2028 | 2028/10/26 | Thu |
| 2029 | 2029/10/16 | Tue |
| 2030 | 2030/10/5 | Sat |
Origins
The Double Ninth Festival takes its name from the date: in Chinese numerology, nine is the greatest yang number, and two nines (chóng yáng) signify great auspiciousness. The nines also sound like "jiǔ jiǔ" (long-lasting), associating the day with longevity. Festival customs of climbing hills, wearing dogwood, and drinking chrysanthemum wine date to the Han dynasty. Tang poet Wang Wei immortalized the holiday: "All my brothers will insert dogwood — but one will be missing."
Climbing & Chrysanthemums
Climbing to high places (denggāo) is the most important Double Ninth custom; ascending heights was believed to ward off disaster. September's crisp, clear weather makes it ideal for hiking and enjoying autumn scenery. The chrysanthemum, symbol of autumn nobility and longevity, is central to the festival — people admire them, wear them, and drink chrysanthemum-infused wine. Many Taiwanese use the holiday for mountain hikes and autumn leaf viewing.
Senior Citizens' Day
Because "九九" sounds like "long-lasting," Taiwan has designated Double Ninth Festival as Senior Citizens' Day. Governments and communities hold senior appreciation events: banquets, elderly sports days, and recognition of centenarians. Younger generations visit and bring gifts to older family members. The day has gained new national importance amid Taiwan's aging population and growing awareness of elder care.
Traditional Foods
The traditional Double Ninth food is gāo (cake), since "gāo" sounds like "high" — eating cake while ascending means "rising year by year." Traditional Chongyang cake is a layered pastry decorated with small flags. In Taiwan, warming tonic foods suit the autumn-to-winter transition: sesame oil chicken, ginger duck, and herbal pork rib soup are popular. Chrysanthemum tea is the traditional festival beverage, valued for eye and liver health.