The power of the chrysanthemum on the Double Ninth festival

Vivid pink chrysanthemums bloom at a nursery in Ampang, Ipoh. Photo: Filepic

The Chongyang Festival (or Chung Yeung Festival) is also known as the Double Ninth Festival as it falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month this year (Oct 7). According to the ancient Chinese divination text I Ching, this Double Ninth day has too much yang (active energy) and is therefore a“potentially dangerous day”.

Traditionally, people climb mountains, drink chrysanthemum wine, and carry the zhuyu (dogwood) plant for protection. Folks also go to parks to enjoy the beauty of chrysanthemums as the flower symbolises longevity. Drinking chrysanthemum wine is believed to ward off evil and block off disasters. The scent of the chrysanthemums and zhuyu is also said to repel insects and keep out the cold.