Language/Mandarin-chinese/Culture/Double-Ninth-Festival-and-Chongyang-Cake

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Mandarin Chinese Culture → Chinese Festivals and Traditions → Double Ninth Festival and Chongyang Cake

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. This festival has been celebrated in China for over a thousand years and is considered one of the most significant festivals for the elderly. The Double Ninth Festival is often associated with the concept of good fortune and propitiousness.

The Double Ninth Festival, like many Chinese festivals, has numerous customs and traditions associated with it. Some of the most common customs include:

After mastering this lesson, these related pages might interest you: Chronology of Historical Events in China & China's Great Wall.

Climbing Hills and Mountains

On the day of the festival, it is customary to climb up a hill or mountain. This practice is believed to bring good health and longevity, and is especially popular among the elderly. Climbing a hill or mountain symbolizes the ability to overcome adversity and reach new heights.

Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea

Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea is a traditional activity during the Double Ninth Festival. Chrysanthemum flowers are believed to have medicinal properties and may help ward off illness. Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea is thought to help promote good health and longevity.

Eating Chongyang Cake

Chongyang Cake, also known as Nine-Layer Cake, is a traditional pastry eaten during the Double Ninth Festival. Legend has it that the cake was first made during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD) to commemorate a great warrior named Wu Guang. The cake has nine layers, which symbolize longevity and good fortune.

To celebrate the Double Ninth Festival, making and eating Chongyang Cake is a vital activity. The cake is made with flour, sugar, oil, and eggs, and then steamed layer by layer. The result is a delicious, layered pastry that has a fluffy texture and a sweet taste.

To make the cake, follow these steps:

Mix the flour, sugar, and oil until they form a smooth batter.
Beat the eggs and add them to the batter, mixing thoroughly.
Pour the batter into a greased, round cake pan.
Steam the cake on high heat for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
Take the cake out of the pan and cut it into nine layers.

Conclusion

The Double Ninth Festival is a time to show respect for the elderly and celebrate good health and longevity. As part of the celebrations, it is customary to climb a hill or mountain, drink Chrysanthemum Tea, and eat Chongyang Cake. These traditions have been passed down through generations and are an important part of China’s cultural heritage.

Sources:

Well done on mastering this lesson! Don't miss these related pages to expand your knowledge: Spring Festival and Chunyun & Chinese Art and Entertainment Scene.

Table of Contents - Mandarin Chinese Course - 0 to A1

Course Presentation

Pinyin and Tones

Greetings and Basic Expressions

Sentence Structure and Word Order

Daily Life and Survival Expressions

Chinese Festivals and Traditions

Verbs and Verb Usage

Hobbies, Sports and Activities

China's Geography and Landmarks

Nouns and Pronouns

Professions and Personality Traits

Chinese Traditional Arts and Crafts

Comparative and Superlative

Cities, Countries and Tourist Destinations

Modern China and Current Events

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