
The 9th day of the 9th month is celebrated in Japan as Chrysanthemum Day (重陽 chōyō), one of the five ancient festivals (節句sekku). The date is marked across East Asia, early references to the Double 9th festival appearing in Chinese sources from the first century CE. In Japan today it is an opportunity to wish for longevity, and enjoy delicacies including chrysanthemum sake and chestnut rice at temples and shrines. The chrysanthemum is of course the official flower of the Japanese Imperial family, famously if somewhat notoriously appropriated by Ruth Benedict in her influential account of Japan, The Chrysanthemum and the Sword. Ubiquitous chrysanthemum exhibitions (菊花展覧会 kikatenrankai) are a highlight […]