The Chung Yang, or Double-Nine, Festival occurs on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, which this year falls tomorrow. In the I Ching (the Chinese book of changes), nine is considered a yang number, which explains why on the 'double-nine' day there is significant yang energy.
In Hong Kong, the Chung Yang Festival is one of two annual occasions on which ancestors are commemorated, the other being Ching Ming. Food offerings (rice, vegetarian food, fruit, tea and wine) are placed for the ancestors in front of their tombs and shrines. Spirit money is also burned then scattered in all directions.
With the clear autumn skies and pleasant weather, there has also been a tradition of climbing mountains on the double-nine day. The belief is that by ascending to these heights one will be able to avoid misfortune, attain a higher position and lead a long, healthy life. This originated from a Han-dynasty legend in which a man was advised by a hermit to climb a mountain on this day to avoid a catastrophe. He paid heed to the warning and returned home with his family to discover his poultry and cattle dead. Chrysanthemums, the flower of longevity, are worn or attached to windows and doors during this period to ensure good fortune.
