Blessing dishes for the elderly on Chongyang Festival

Today marks the Chongyang Festival, or the Double Ninth Festival, an occasion observed on the ninth day of the ninth month in the traditional Chinese calendar. Historically, the festival involved climbing mountains to pray for good fortune, making offerings to ancestors, and holding feasts to wish for longevity. Over time, it has evolved to include a strong emphasis on caring for the elderly.

On this special day, the focus is on the well-being and health of the elderly, with many people choosing to prepare "longevity dishes" as a gesture of love and respect. These dishes symbolize health, long life, and happiness, although they are not defined by any specific recipe.

One popular longevity dish is "longevity noodles," a staple during the festival. Simple to make, this dish uses noodles, eggs, green onions, and seasonings as ingredients, representing a wish for long life.

Fish, symbolizing abundance, is also a traditional choice. A well-cooked carp, vibrant in color and tender in texture, is often served with creative plating to express wishes of prosperity and longevity for the elderly.

Another beloved dish is red dates stuffed with sticky rice, combining the soft texture of glutinous rice, symbolizing unity and long time, with the sweet, rich flavor of dates, representing happiness and prosperity. This sweet treat is a heartfelt wish for elders to enjoy long-lasting health and joy.

The celebration of Chongyang Festival is more than just about food — it's a day that embodies respect, care for the elderly, and the continuation of cultural traditions. Each region may have its own take on longevity dishes, but the spirit of gratitude and honor remains the same.