The Double Ninth Festival, or Chong Yang, falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month and is a traditional day for honouring elders and remembering ancestors. On this day, families show their love and respect for the elderly and pay tribute to loved ones who have passed, carrying the spirit of filial piety down the generations.
What the Double Ninth (Chong Yang) Festival Is
Because the two nines of Chong Yang echo the word for lasting and long life, the festival carries wishes of longevity. Since ancient times people have climbed to high places, admired chrysanthemums, and worn cornel on this day; today it is also a festival of respect for elders and remembrance of ancestors. In 2026, Chong Yang falls on 18 October (Sunday).
A Day for Respecting Elders
Chong Yang is also known as a day for the elderly. Children and juniors spend time with their elders, showing care and gratitude — a reminder to cherish the family still with us, and one of the warmest expressions of the Chinese culture of filial piety.
Remembering Ancestors at Chong Yang
Beyond honouring the living, Chong Yang is also a time of remembrance. Families visit the columbarium or cemetery to offer incense, flowers, and food to their ancestors, expressing longing and respect — extending their love for elders to those who have passed.
The Chong Yang Remembrance Event at Nirvana
Each Chong Yang, Nirvana Memorial Garden holds a remembrance event, with masters leading the chanting and blessings, so that families may honour their ancestors and pray for wellbeing in a dignified, peaceful setting. Staff assist gently with every step, so families can take part with ease.
Filial Piety Across Generations
When three generations come together to pay respects, elders telling the stories of those who came before and the young quietly listening, the spirit of filial piety carries on through that togetherness — a family's most precious inheritance.
Customs of the Double Ninth
The Double Ninth carries a number of charming customs, each holding wishes for health, longevity, and togetherness:
- Climbing to high places, a wish for rising fortune and warding off misfortune
- Admiring chrysanthemums and drinking chrysanthemum wine, the flower a symbol of long life
- Wearing cornel, believed by the ancients to ward off harm
- Spending time with elders, the warmest meaning of the festival today
Passed down the generations, these customs weave together respect for elders, prayers for blessing, and remembrance of ancestors, keeping the Double Ninth warm and meaningful today.
Common Questions About Chong Yang
When does the Double Ninth Festival fall?
Chong Yang falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month — hence its name — which usually lands somewhere around October. Because it follows the lunar calendar, the date shifts each year, so it is worth checking the exact day as the festival approaches.
What do families usually do on the day?
Chong Yang honours the living elderly as much as it remembers the departed. Families often gather for a meal with their elders or take a walk on higher ground, then visit a loved one's resting place to offer incense and flowers. For many, the moving part of the day is paying respects to living elders and departed ancestors within the same afternoon.
Does Nirvana hold a Chong Yang observance?
Yes. Nirvana Memorial Garden has held a Chong Yang remembrance observance for many years, with masters leading the chanting and blessings and families welcome to take part. Places are limited, and registration details are usually announced ahead of the festival.
What if we cannot attend on the day?
Chong Yang is one of the festivals covered by our pray-on-behalf service. Offerings appropriate to the occasion are prepared, and the incense and prayers are made on your family's behalf.
Contact
Dates for the Chong Yang remembrance event are announced closer to the festival. If you would like this year's arrangements, or to plan a visit or observance during Chong Yang, reach us on WhatsApp at +65 8999 7708.