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The Double Ninth Festival

重阳节

When clear and refreshing autumn arrives and chrysanthemums scent the world, it’s time for the Chinese Chongyang Festival or the Double Ninth Festival.

每当秋高气爽、菊香四溢的时候，中国人便迎来了重阳节。

The Double Ninth Festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. In Chinese folklore the number nine is the largest number. It’s a homonym to the Chinese word jiu which contains the auspicious meaning of “a long and healthy life”.

重阳节在农历九月初九。民俗观念中“九”是数字中的最大数。它和中文的“久”同音，有长久长寿的含义。

In 1989 the Chinese government designated the Double Ninth Festival as the “Festival for the Elderly” to express wishes for health and longevity of the senior citizens.

1989年中国政府将重阳节这天定为“老年节”，寄托着人们对老人健康长寿的祝福。

The Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Elderly which has been in effect since 2013 clearly stipulates that every year’s Double Ninth Festival is a legal festival for senior citizens.

自2013年起实施的《老年人权益保障法》中明确规定每年农历九月初九为老年节，意味着重阳节自此成为法定的老年节。

In ancient times it was customary to climb mountains to pray for good luck and longevity on the Double Ninth Festival.

古时重阳节有登高祈福饮宴求寿的习俗。

Tengwang Pavilion is one of the three most famous pavilions in Jiangnan. Every year on the Double Ninth Festival people will climb up to the Tengwang Pavilion to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery of the sea melting into the sky.

滕王阁是江南三大名楼之一。每逢重阳节人们便会登上滕王阁望远，感受海天一色的秋日美景。

Nowadays the custom of climbing mountains for blessings on the Double Ninth Festival has gradually merged with some other outdoor exercises. Some activities have become especially popular among middle aged and older people such as tai chi, qigong and square dancing.

重阳节登高祈福的习俗已逐渐与流行的户外运动融合。还兴起了多项流行于中老年人之间的健身运动，如：太极、气功、广场舞活动等。

The square dance has actually become a unique phenomenon in China. Whether it’s in a big or small city, when night falls, you will see people dancing on public squares.

广场舞在中国已经成为一种“独特风景线”。无论大小城市，一到傍晚时分便能看到人们在广场空地的矫健舞姿。

In ancient times people also would admire the beauty of chrysanthemums, drink wine and eat Chongyang cakes on the day. The ninth lunar month is the time when chrysanthemums are in full bloom and chrysanthemums symbolize longevity. So every year at the festival people pick fresh chrysanthemums to make chrysanthemum wine. The ancients regarded it as an auspicious wine for clearing away heat, detoxifying and prolonging life.

在古时重阳节还有赏菊饮酒、吃糕的习俗。农历九月是菊花盛开的时节，而菊花象征着长寿。每逢重阳人们便会采摘新鲜的菊花酿成菊花酒。古人视其为清热解毒、益寿延年的“吉祥酒”。

Chongyang cake is a festive cake for the Double Ninth Festival that is usually made of flour, brown sugar, fruits and nuts among other ingredients. It contains the auspicious meaning “making steady progress”.

重阳糕则是重阳节的节令糕点， 通常由面粉、红糖、果料等混合蒸制而成。象征“步步高升”的吉祥之意。

Although people today don’t observe all the traditional customs for the Double Ninth Festival, it’s still the core of the festival to respect the elders.

时至今日虽然有些重阳习俗已经慢慢淡化，但尊老敬老仍是重阳节的主要内涵。

Thanks to the social care from their surroundings and love from their families a growing number of seniors have begun to pay more attention to their later years.

社会和子女的关爱让更多老人用心经营自己的晚年生活。

In recent years travel has become a very popular way for senior Chinese people to spend their leisure time.

近年来旅行成为他们极为青睐的休闲方式。

“The Sunset Glow Tour Group” referring to Chinese elders has gradually become a trendy word. Time has not stopped them from exploring the world and the elders who love life deserve the attention and respect of society.

由中国老人组成的“夕阳红旅游团”逐渐成为一个流行概念。岁月未能阻止他们探索世界的脚步，热爱生活的老人们值得整个社会的关注与敬爱。