October 11

International: Chung Yeung Festival

Experience the vibrant traditions of the Chung Yeung Festival - a day of hiking, honoring ancestors, and feasting on autumnal delights!

Type

Day

Introduction

Mark your calendars for a cultural extravaganza on October 11, as we celebrate the International Chung Yeung Festival! This intriguing festival, also known as Double Ninth Festival, is a heritage-rich event celebrated in Chinese communities around the globe. Historically, the festival originated over 2000 years ago during the Han dynasty in honor of a famous poet's act of filial piety. Today, it symbolizes a day to show respect for ancestors and express appreciation for the changing season's beauty. Join us as we embark on a day filled with scenic hikes, ritual visits to the graves of loved ones, and a grand feast of mouthwatering, autumnal delights. Get ready to immerse yourself in this beautiful confluence of culture, tradition, and hearty feasting!

International: Chung Yeung Festival Timeline

221 BC

Han Dynasty Origins

The earliest records of the Chung Yeung Festival can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, with its roots in folk customs.

618 AD

Tang Dynasty Recognition

During the Tang Dynasty, the Chung Yeung Festival was officially recognized as a day to pay respects to ancestors.

960 AD

Song Dynasty Development

In the Song Dynasty, the tradition of climbing high mountains and enjoying chrysanthemum wine became popular during the festival.

1911

Chung Yeung Cake Emergence

In the early 20th century, the tradition of making Chung Yeung cakes shaped like chrysanthemums or sheep became widespread.

1949

People's Republic of China

After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the festival continued to be celebrated as a day to honor ancestors and celebrate autumn.

2008

UNESCO Recognition

In 2008, UNESCO included the Chung Yeung Festival in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, marking its global significance.

How to Celebrate International: Chung Yeung Festival

1 Organize a scenic hike

In keeping with tradition, plan a hike up a high mountain or hill. This activity symbolizes the old custom of climbing high to avoid harm and seek good luck. Along the way, appreciate the picturesque beauty of the autumn season and share stories about the festival's history and significance.

2 Prepare a traditional feast

Get your culinary skills in gear and prepare a grand feast. The festival is renowned for delicious autumnal treats, like chrysanthemum wine and cakes. Share this feast with family and friends, savoring every bite while sharing tales of ancestors.

3 Visit your ancestors' grave

Pay homage to your ancestors by visiting their graves. On this day, people typically perform ritualistic ceremonies to show their respect and express gratitude to their ancestors. It's a profound way to connect with your roots and understand the essence of this occasion.

4 Decorate with chrysanthemums

Associating with the festival and the poet's tale, chrysanthemums are symbols of longevity and good luck. Adorn your house with blooming chrysanthemums to bring in luck, charm, and vibrancy to your surroundings.

5 Write a poem of gratitude

Get your creative juices flowing and write a poem expressing your gratitude for the people in your life, for Mother Nature, or even to your ancestors. This activity can be a thoughtful and profound way to encapsulate and share your thoughts and feelings on this special day.

Why International: Chung Yeung Festival is Important

It’s a connection to cultural heritage and traditions

The Chung Yeung Festival allows people around the world to participate in an age-old Chinese tradition, connecting them to their cultural heritage and ancestors. This celebration is a unique way to learn about the culture and history embedded in this festival, helping us to acknowledge our roots and understand different ways of life.

It encourages appreciation of nature’s beauty

The custom of undertaking a scenic hike during this festival is a fantastic opportunity to appreciate nature's beauty, especially during the fall season. Observing the changing leaves and embracing the freshness of autumn adds a spiritual perspective to the experience and encourages mindfulness.

Opportunity for celebrating with family and friends

Whether it's walking together up a hill, sharing a mouth-watering feast, or paying homage to ancestors, the Chung Yeung Festival provides an excellent opportunity for family and friends to come together in celebration. It's a day that cultivates gratitude, togetherness, and reflection, making it a deeply meaningful occasion.