· Origin of the Double Ninth Festival It is said that in the ancient China, probably in Han dynasty(206BC-220), on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month,the emperor and his attendants would wear the Zhuyu plant, which is also called Cornel Twigs (Dogwood), eat the rice cakes and drink the chrysanthemum wine to dispel ominous stuff and pray longevity.But afterwards, the empress of HanGaoZu(the emperor) killed his lover Mrs Qi cruelly, consequently, Qi's attendant, a girl was dismissed out of the palace and married a civilian, so the custom in the palace was in circulation.Children in school learn poems about chrysanthemums, and many localities host a chrysanthemum exhibit. Mountain climbing races are also popular; winners get to wear a wreath made of Zhuyu.

	· Legend of Double Ninth Festival Ⅰ The custom of ascending a height to avoid epidemics was passed down from long time ago. Therefore, the Double Ninth Festival is also called "Height Ascending Festival". Ancient literary figures have left many poems depicting the activity. Even today, people still swarm to famous or little known mountains on this day.It is hard to say when these customs were created. But there are many stories which are closely related.Since these stories became more and more famous, climbing a mountain, carrying dogwood and drinking chrysanthemum wine became the traditional activities of the Double Ninth Festival, to avoid evil spirits and misfortunes. · Legend of Double Ninth Festival Ⅱ

	· A Brief Introduction to Festival Customs The festival falls in the golden season of autumn. The comfortable weather and the joy of bringing in the harvest create a festive atmosphere. The Double Ninth Festival is usually perfect for outdoor activities. Many people go hiking and climbing mountains in the countryside. An outing lover, who stands on a height looking afar in the month, will have a panoramic view of a blue sky with pale clouds and dark green mountains, which makes him feel carefree and joyful. So people, both ancient and present, love to go sightseeing this month. · Video:the Double Ninth Festival

	· Zuihuayin Light mists and heavy clouds, melancholy the long dreary day, In the golden censer the burning incense is dying away. It is again time for the lovely Double-Ninth Festival, The coolness of midnight penetrates my screen of sheer silk and chills my pillow of jade. After drinking wine at twilight under the chrysanthemum hedge, My sleeves are perfumed by the fragrance of the plants.Light mists and heavy clouds, melancholy the long dreary day, In the golden censer the burning incense is dying away. It is again time for the lovely Double-Ninth Festival, The coolness of midnight penetrates my screen of sheer silk and chills my pillow of jade. · Double Ninth, Missing My Shandong Brothers

	· A Brief Introduction to Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum originated in China and was recorded in some Chinese books as early as the 5th century B.C. The flower was introduced, as imperial flower, into Japan in the Tang Dynasty. Later it was introduced into Britain in the 12th century, into the continent of Europe in the 17th century, and into the USA in the 19th century. Also known as “yellow flower”, chrysanthemum is of varied species in the composite family. Though its florescence lasts long, this perennial herb usually begins to bloom in the 9th lunar month, lending much festive flavor to the Double Ninth Day. That’s why the month is also referred to as “the month of chrysanthemum”. · Year 2008-2012 Calendar

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