Murals show ancient Chongyang fest traditions

BEIJING: The Dunhuang Research Academy has released a batch of Dunhuang murals showing the ancient folk scene of the Chongyang Festival, or Double Ninth Festival, which falls on Oct 28 this year.

The Chongyang Festival originated in the Warring States Period (475-221BC) and is still celebrated today.

To mark the festival, people usually climb heights, wear cornel twigs, enjoy chrysanthemum flowers, eat Double Ninth cake.

The Dunhuang murals portray scenes of ancient people partying, dancing, drinking, eating, climbing mountains, holding family gatherings and respecting the elderly.

According to the academy, during ancient times, people preferred to celebrate the Chongyang Festival in temples, and the temples were usually located at picturesque scenic spots, so they also enjoyed the outdoors and climbed heights.

Though China has marked Chongyang Festival as “a festival for the elderly” since 2012, the festival has a tradition of respecting old people since ancient times.

The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang of Gansu province is noted for exquisite murals and sculptures.

The ancient books earthed here record detailed festival traditions and folk customs in different historical periods. — China Daily/Asia News Network