The Double Ninth Festival, which originated from autumn sacrifices to Heaven and ancestors in ancient times, took shape during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and was officially established as a folk festival in the Tang Dynasty. In Shanxi Province, the celebrations of the Double Ninth Festival are rich and colorful, not only inheriting ancient customs but also incorporating local characteristics, forming unique ways of celebration.

Climbing to Take in the Far-Reaching View: In Shanxi, climbing mountains on the Double Ninth Festival is an indispensable traditional custom. Mountain climbing is not only for physical exercise but also for expressing the good wishes for the safety and longevity of family members.

Wearing Cornel: Cornel, as an important symbol of the Double Ninth Festival, is regarded as a mascot for warding off evil spirits and praying for blessings. People in Shanxi will wear cornel leaves or cornel pouches on this day, or hang them in front of their doors, to seek peace and good fortune.

Admiring Chrysanthemums: September is the season when chrysanthemums bloom, and the fields and mountains in Shanxi are filled with the fragrance of chrysanthemums. People will go to the mountains or fields to admire chrysanthemums, praying for longevity and good luck.

Apart from these unique celebrations, Shanxi also has specialty foods that are a must-eat during the Double Ninth Festival.

Double Ninth Cake: The Double Ninth Cake is an indispensable traditional food during the Double Ninth Festival in Shanxi. Made mainly from glutinous rice, jujube paste, and sesame seeds, with fillings such as jujube paste, ginkgo nuts, pine nuts, and apricot kernels, each layer of the cake is separated by a layer of filling, totaling nine layers. It has a sweet and soft taste, symbolizing unity and happiness. On the day of the Double Ninth Festival, every household will make or buy Double Ninth Cakes to enjoy with their families and celebrate the festival together.

Double Ninth Tea: Double Ninth Tea is a specialty drink during the Double Ninth Festival in Shanxi. It is made from flowers and fruits such as chrysanthemums, chrysanthemum stamens, osmanthus flowers, and lemon, and has a refreshing floral and fruity flavor. On the day of the Double Ninth Festival, people will brew a pot of Double Ninth Tea and enjoy it with their friends and family, savoring the unique atmosphere of the festival.

Shanxi preserves ancient traditional customs while incorporating local specialty foods in celebrating the Double Ninth Festival, making the festival even more colorful and rich. Whether it's climbing mountains to take in the far-reaching view, wearing cornel and admiring chrysanthemums, or tasting Double Ninth Cakes and Double Ninth Tea, all reflect the Shanxi people's longing and blessings for a better life.

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Source: Comprehensive collation by sx.china.com