Aim for Chrysanthemum Exhaustion

The Luckiest Day of the Year!!!

A Very Long Time Ago

The Double Ninth Festival!

The Double Ninth Festival, known in Japanese as Choyo no Sekku (重陽の節句) or the Chrysanthemum Festival, is a day steeped in history and tradition, celebrated with a focus on longevity and good health. While it may not be as prominent as holidays like Hinamatsuri or Children’s Day, it holds a special place in the cultural calendar, offering a unique glimpse into ancient customs. The festival in Japan falls on September 9th, about one month earlier than it originally did under the ancient Chinese lunar calendar. The day’s significance comes from the numerological belief that odd numbers are auspicious and potent. September 9th, with the largest single-digit combination of nines, was considered the luckiest day of the year.

This belief in the power of odd numbers is a recurring theme in Japan’s traditional festivals, or sekku. For example, March 3rd is Hinamatsuri, a time to pray for the well-being of girls; May 5th is Children’s Day, formerly a festival to wish for the health of boys; and July 7th is Tanabata, a midsummer festival celebrating the meeting of celestial lovers. The Double Ninth Festival was once the most celebrated of these, but today it has been largely overshadowed by its child-centered counterparts. However, many of the traditional customs remain, especially in temples and shrines, and offer a tranquil way to connect with Japan’s rich past.

What to Do On the Double 9th Festival…

At the heart of Choyo no Sekku is the chrysanthemum (kiku), a symbol of longevity and good health in Japanese culture. On this day, you are encouraged to offer prayers for your own health and the long life of others. Decorating with chrysanthemums is a key tradition, with flowers displayed prominently in homes and gardens. One of the most cherished customs is drinking chrysanthemum-infused sake. In ancient times, this involved a more complex process of pickling the flowers, but today, simply placing a fresh chrysanthemum blossom in a cup of Japanese rice wine is considered sufficient. This ritual is believed to pass the life-extending powers of the flower to the drinker. Another custom, known as kiku no kise-wata (chrysanthemum-covered silk floss), involves placing cotton or silk cloth over a chrysanthemum overnight to absorb its dew. The next morning, this dew-moistened cloth is used to gently wipe the face and body, a ritual thought to promote youth and health.

Aim for Chrysanthemum Immersion

To truly embrace the spirit of the festival, you should aim for a complete immersion in the world of the chrysanthemum. Eat chrysanthemums, drink chrysanthemum-infused beverages, and enjoy their fragrance as a natural perfume. Beyond just drinking sake, you can incorporate edible chrysanthemums into your meals, as they are often used in Japanese cuisine for their subtle flavor and vibrant appearance. Look for dishes like chrysanthemum tempura or salads featuring the petals. The elegant, yet powerful, chrysanthemum is meant to purify the body and ward off evil spirits. Its presence is believed to bring good fortune.

Places to Go and Things to Do

While the Choyo no Sekku is a quieter festival today, there are still specific events and locations where you can experience its traditions firsthand. In Kyoto, the ancient capital, the Kamigamo Shrine holds a special ritual on September 9th that includes a unique “crow sumo” and offerings of chrysanthemum to the deities. Another notable spot is Kurumazaki Shrine, which revives a historic Choyo-sai ceremony. Here, you can witness elegant ritual dances and even partake in a communal serving of chrysanthemum sake.

In Tokyo, you can find observances at shrines like Fukutoku Shrine in Nihonbashi and Nami-yoke Shrine in Tsukiji. These shrines often host events that recreate the ancient court customs, complete with ceremonial chrysanthemum decorations, sake offerings, and displays of “later hina dolls” (nochi no hina), a tradition of airing out and displaying the hina dolls once again in the fall. Beyond shrines, many cities across Japan host grand chrysanthemum exhibitions (kikuten) in October and November. These events showcase a stunning variety of chrysanthemum species and intricate floral arrangements. Participating in a tea ceremony at a traditional garden, where chrysanthemums are often the seasonal motif, is another way to appreciate the festival’s

References

In English

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Ninth_Festival#Japan

http://ichinen-fourseasonsinjapan.blogspot.com/2010/10/double-ninth-festival.html

In Japanese

http://www.ningyo-kyokai.or.jp/choyo/about.html

https://allabout.co.jp/gm/gc/220562/

Photo thanks to .comPicryl.

Deep Cuts of Japonica from Rakuten Japan

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