The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the "Chongyang Festival," is one of China's traditional holidays, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar.
重阳节，又称“重九节”，是中国传统节日之一，时间在农历九月初九。
This festival originates from the "I Ching," where "nine" is the extreme of the yang number, and since there are two nines, it is called "Chongyang."
这个节日源于《易经》中“九” 为阳数之极，两个“九”相重，故称“重阳”。
The origin of the Chongyang Festival can be traced back to the Pre-Qin period.
重阳节的起源可以追溯到先秦时期。
During this time, in autumn, when crops were harvested in September, people would hold sacrificial activities to thank the heavenly deity and their ancestors.
当时，秋季九月农作物丰收之时，人们会举行祭祀活动以谢天帝、祖先恩德。
The concept of "Chongyang" began to take shape during this period.
这一时期的 “重阳” 概念开始初步形成。
By the Han Dynasty, "West Capital Miscellaneous Records" recorded the custom of seeking longevity on Chongyang Festival.
到了汉代，《西京杂记》中记载了重阳节求寿之俗。
It is said that wearing dogwood and drinking chrysanthemum wine on this day can lead to a longer life.
相传，在这一天佩茱萸、饮菊花酒能够长寿。
Over time, these customs gradually spread.
随着时间的推移，这种习俗逐渐流行开来。
During the Wei and Jin dynasties, the festive atmosphere intensified, and literati began to gather, feast, and compose poetry on Chongyang Festival.
魏晋时期，节日气氛渐浓，文人墨客开始在重阳节这一天聚会宴饮、赏菊赋诗。
During this time, the cultural connotation of Chongyang Festival further enriched.
这一时期，重阳节的文化内涵进一步丰富。
In the Tang Dynasty, Chongyang Festival was officially designated as a folk festival.
唐代，重阳节被正式定为民间的节日。
Both the court and the common people celebrated Chongyang Festival, and from this time on, the customs of Chongyang Festival were basically established, including climbing high, wearing dogwood, admiring chrysanthemums, and drinking chrysanthemum wine.
宫廷、民间一起庆祝重阳节，并且从这时起，重阳节的习俗基本定型，包括登高、插茱萸、赏菊、饮菊花酒等。
Numerous well-known poems were also created during this period, such as Wang Wei's: "Alone in a foreign land as a stranger, I miss my family more during the holidays.
还留下了众多脍炙人口的诗篇，如王维的 “独在异乡为异客，每逢佳节倍思亲。
know my brothers are climbing high, but one person is missing among the dogwood.
"遥知兄弟登高处，遍插茱萸少一人。”
Climbing high is one of the most important customs of the Chongyang Festival.
登高是重阳节最重要的习俗之一。
On this day, people climb mountains, towers, or other high places.
人们在这一天登上高山、高塔或者高台等高处。
There are various origins for this custom.
其起源有多种说法。
One theory is that it originates from ancient people's worship of mountains, believing that gods live on high mountains and that climbing can bring longevity.
一种说法是源于古人对山岳的崇拜，认为山上有神仙居住，登山可以接近神仙以求长寿。
Another theory is that it is to avoid disasters, as ancient people believed that during Chongyang, the weather cools and the earth’s energy rises, creating a mingling of energies that brings about evil influences.
另一种说法是为了躲避灾祸，因为古人认为重九之时，天气下降，地气上升，天地二气相交，不正之气弥漫，登高可以避开这些邪气。
Climbing high often provides beautiful scenery, making this custom a great opportunity for autumn outings and enjoying nature.
登高之处，往往景色优美，所以这一习俗也成为人们秋日郊游、观赏美景的好机会。
Dogwood is a fragrant plant.
茱萸是一种具有浓烈香气的植物。
The custom of wearing dogwood on Chongyang Festival became popular during the Tang Dynasty.
重阳节插茱萸的习俗在唐代就已经很盛行。
People would wear dogwood on their heads or carry it with them.
人们把茱萸插在头上或者佩戴在身上。
Dogwood is believed to have the effect of warding off evil spirits and disasters, helping to dispel the negative energy of the ninth day of the ninth month.
茱萸被认为有辟邪驱灾的功效，能驱散九月九日的恶气。
Chrysanthemums bloom during the Chongyang Festival and are seen as a symbol of purity and perseverance.
菊花在重阳节期间盛开，它凌霜不屈，被视为高洁的象征。
The custom of admiring chrysanthemums has a long history, and people from both the court and common folk enjoy viewing chrysanthemums on this day
赏菊习俗由来已久，从宫廷到民间，人们都会在这一天观赏菊花。
Drinking chrysanthemum wine has health benefits, and it is made from chrysanthemums, glutinous rice, and wine yeast.
而饮菊花酒则有着养生的功效，菊花酒是用菊花、糯米和酒曲酿制而成的酒。
Ancient people believed that it could improve eyesight, treat dizziness, and lower blood pressure.
古人认为它能明目、治头昏、降血压等。
Drinking chrysanthemum wine on Chongyang Festival is also a way to pray for longevity and health.
在重阳节饮用菊花酒也是祈求长寿健康的一种表现。
Chongyang cake, also known as flower cake or chrysanthemum cake, is often decorated with colorful flags and may have dried fruits on top.
重阳糕又称花糕、菊糕等。糕上通常插着彩色的小旗，有的还会在糕面上撒上一些果脯等。
Eating Chongyang cake symbolizes progress and reflects people's aspirations for a better life.
吃重阳糕有步步高升的寓意，反映了人们对美好生活的向往。
In modern society, Chongyang Festival has been given new significance.
在现代社会，重阳节被赋予了新的内涵。
In 1989, China designated the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar as Elderly Day, advocating for respect and care for the elderly in society.
1989 年，我国将每年的农历九月九日定为老人节，倡导全社会树立尊老、敬老、爱老、助老的风气。
This initiative has made Chongyang Festival an important holiday for promoting the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation while preserving traditional customs.
这一举措使得重阳节在传承传统习俗的同时，更成为弘扬中华民族传统美德的重要节日。
Whether it’s family reunions, caring for the elderly, or various community activities, all reflect the positive significance of Chongyang Festival in modern society.
无论是家庭内部的团聚、对老人的关爱，还是社会各界组织的各种敬老活动，都体现了重阳节在现代社会中的积极意义。
As a traditional Chinese festival, Chongyang Festival carries rich historical and cultural connotations, as well as deep national sentiments, making its origins and customs worthy of our understanding and inheritance.
