THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHONG YANG FESTIVAL
Master Jun Hong Lu: Chong Yang Festival, which falls on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, is a traditional Chinese festival. Many people know that the 9th day of the 9th lunar month is the Chong Yang Festival.
As a matter of fact, Yi Jing, or the Book of Changes, regards the number “6” as a Yin number, while “9” is a Yang number. On the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, both the day and the month are Yang. As the number “9” repeats itself, the festival is named Chong Yang, which literally means ‘double Yang’, or Double Ninth Festival.
Since the Tang Dynasty, the festive spirit of the Chong Yang Festival slowly took shape when people gained a better understanding about the significance of the Double Ninth Festival is in fact about reminiscing their elderly folks as the passing of time. In the Chinese language, the word “nine” and “long” are homophones, which symbolises longevity. On this special day, as the number “9” repeats itself – a homonym for the Chinese word “long” – it implies that the elderly folks should be able to live to a ripe old age. For this, everyone should celebrate by eating a Chong Yang cake.
In the ancient past, even the emperor would personally climb the Longevity Hill (Wansui Shan) during the Chong Yang Festival. At the hilltop, while taking in the scenic view, the emperor would recite poetry.
The custom of ascending the mountain on the Chong Yang Festival is deemed to have the effect of eliminating and avoiding disasters. On this day, people tend to care, help and wish the elderlies a healthy long life. It also reminds people to have a mind free from evil. The Double Ninth or Chong Yang Festival is also known as the Height Ascending Festival. To partake in the cake eating on this day carries the connotation of ascending, which symbolises every stride you make in life will be an ascending step.
Source: Baihuafofa171024, Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms (Radio Program), 24 October 2017