Today is Double Ninth Festival or Chung Yeung Festival! Legend has it that during the Han Dynasty, a monster tormented the people of the Nu River causing disease. A young man named Hengjing had to go through extraordinary lengths to extricate his village. The final act of bravery involved carrying chrysanthemum wine and dogwood near a mountain where he confronted the evil monster. The scents of chrysanthemum and dogwood thwarted the monster and Hengjing used his sword to ultimately defeat evil. This happened on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month.

Since then many continue to celebrate Double Ninth Festival. This year it happens to fall on October 21, 2015. Here are three ways you can celebrate.

1. Respect your elders As “nine” is pronounced “jilu” in Chinese which also means “long.” Many have taken this to associate Double Ninth with “longevity” and paying respects to elders. One way to honor this holiday is to spend quality time with elders or visit ancestor gravesites.
2. Drink Chrysanthemum tea or wineChrysanthemums have been believed to ward away sickness and disease or “evil.” Drinking Chrysanthemum tea or wine has been associated to the festivities of Double Ninth Festival. It also happens to be Chrysanthemum season in China!
3. Go on a nature hike or climb a mountainEnjoy a leisurely hike up a mountain or a simple nature walk to celebrate Double Ninth Festival.

Double Ninth Festival is a great reminder to honor our elders and savor the healing beauty of nature.