一年一度的重陽節又快來到，這是中國重要的傳統節日之一，這裏和大家分享幾個關於重陽的小知識。

The annual Chongyang Festival is coming, which is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. Here we will share with you some knowledge about the festival.

重陽節的起源

Origin of Chongyang Festival

在古代，「九」被視作「陽數」，重陽節的日子是每年農曆九月初九，因此得名。根據考證，重陽節的源頭可以追溯至上古時期，人們在秋天收穫之際，祭天、祭祖，祈求豐收。

In ancient times, the number “nine” was regarded as “yang”, which represents life and brightness. Chongyang Festival is also called the “Double Ninth Festival” as it is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth Chinese lunar month. The origin of the Chongyang Festival can be traced back to ancient times, when people sacrificed to heaven and ancestors to pray for a good harvest during the autumn harvest.

重陽節何時成為正式節日？

When did Chongyang Festival become an official holiday?

漢朝時，重陽習俗普及到全國，糅合了各地民俗文化。重陽登高的習俗，相傳最早就是從東漢開始，源於古人對山嶽的崇拜，因此重陽節又有「登高節」之稱。唐朝時，重陽節被定為正式節日。插茱萸、戴菊花的活動，在這時已經非常普遍，古人認為可以避難消災。

During the Han Dynasty (202 BC–9 AD, 25–220 AD), the customs and activities of the festival became more and more popular. It's said that the custom of climbing mountains began in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220), which originated from the ancient people's worship of mountains. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Chongyang Festival became an official festival. Wearing dogwoods and chrysanthemums already became prevalent customs at this time, which were considered to be the way to prevent diseases and avoid disasters.

重陽美食有哪些？

What is the food in Chongyang Festival?

重陽糕、菊花酒，是最具代表性的重陽美食。重陽糕並非特指哪一種糕餅，各地都有不同的重陽糕，大多以麵粉、紅棗、栗子、豆沙等製成，口感鬆軟。菊花在古代是長壽的象徵，菊花酒被認為有養生功效，可以延年益壽。

Chrysanthemum was a symbol of longevity in ancient times. Chrysanthemum wine was believed to have health and longevity benefits.Chongyang cakes and chrysanthemum wine are the most representative Chongyang delicacies.

There are various kinds of Chongyang cakes in different places, most of which are made of flour, red dates, chestnuts, red bean paste and have a fluffy texture.

重陽與敬老

Chongyang Festival and respecting the elderly

重陽節自古有祈求長壽的傳統。隨着時代變遷，這個節日漸漸被賦予了新的意義：敬老。1989年，中國將重陽節定義為「老人節」。2012年，全國人大確立每年農曆九月初九為「老年節」。登高賞秋、感恩敬老，成為當今最主要的重陽習俗。

Praying for longevity was one of the traditions of the festival.With the changes of the times, the festival has gradually been given a new meaning: showing respect for the elderly.In 1989, Chinese government defined Chongyang Festival as the “Festival for the Elderly”.

In 2012, the National People's Congress (NPC) established the “Festival for the Elderly” on the ninth day of the ninth Chinese lunar month every year.Appreciating autumn on the mountain and expressing gratitude to the elderly have become the main customs of the Chongyang Festival today.

●作者：郭立新

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