The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. It is a day for paying respects to ancestors and enjoying outdoor activities, particularly mountain climbing.
Double Ninth Festival Dates
To help you plan for Double Ninth Festival celebrations, here are the upcoming dates for the next few years:
| Year | Lunar Date | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9th day of 9th month | 11 October | Friday |
| 2025 | 9th day of 9th month | 30 September | Tuesday |
| 2026 | 9th day of 9th month | 18 October | Sunday |
| 2027 | 9th day of 9th month | 7 October | Thursday |
Celebrations and Traditions
The Double Ninth Festival is marked by various customs, including ancestor worship, climbing mountains, and enjoying chrysanthemum-themed activities.
Traditional Practices
- Ancestor Worship: Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombs, make offerings, and pray for their ancestors’ peace.
- Mountain Climbing: Climbing mountains or hills is a popular activity, symbolizing the desire to rise to new heights and avoid misfortune.
- Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemum flowers and wine are central to the celebrations. People appreciate the beauty of the flowers and drink chrysanthemum wine.
- Kite Flying: Flying kites is another traditional activity during the festival, symbolizing the release of bad luck and welcoming good fortune.
Observing Double Ninth Festival in Malaysia
The Double Ninth Festival is a culturally significant event in Malaysia, particularly among the Chinese community. It is a day for honouring ancestors, enjoying outdoor activities, and celebrating with family and friends.
For more details and updates on Malaysia’s public holidays and observances, visit our Malaysia holiday calendars.
Popular Questions About Double Ninth Festival
1. Is the Double Ninth Festival a public holiday in Malaysia?
No, the Double Ninth Festival is not a public holiday in Malaysia. It is a cultural and traditional observance celebrated by the Chinese community.
How do people celebrate the Double Ninth Festival in Malaysia?
People celebrate the Double Ninth Festival by visiting ancestors’ graves, climbing mountains or hills, appreciating chrysanthemum flowers, drinking chrysanthemum wine, and flying kites.
Why is mountain climbing a popular activity during the Double Ninth Festival?
Mountain climbing is popular during the Double Ninth Festival as it is believed to help avoid misfortune and bring good health. The practice symbolises rising to new heights and overcoming obstacles.
What is the significance of chrysanthemums during the Double Ninth Festival?
Chrysanthemums are significant during the Double Ninth Festival as they symbolise longevity and are associated with autumn. Drinking chrysanthemum wine and appreciating the flowers are traditional customs.