A number of communities in Hailing Industrial Park, located in Taizhou, East China's Jiangsu province, organized a variety of activities on Oct 10 to celebrate the Chinese Chongyang Festival, or Double Ninth Festival, on Oct 11.
In Chinese tradition, the number nine is considered the highest number and is a homonym for the Chinese word jiu, which symbolizes the auspicious wish for "longevity and good health". Therefore, the Chongyang Festival is also a time to pay respect to the elderly.
Taikang community, in collaboration with Taizhou Children's Palace, the Hailing District Musicians and Dancers Association, and the Elderly Association of Jingtai Road Sub-district, prepared performances such as songs, dances, and Peking Opera for local seniors.
Teachers from Taizhou Children's Palace served chrysanthemum tea and Chongyang cakes to seniors, wishing them good health, longevity, and happiness.
The Runtai community organized a handicraft activity for local families. At the beginning of the event, a volunteer teacher explained the origins and customs of the Chongyang Festival to children.
During the event, parents and children worked together to create traditional Peking Opera facial masks and made massage hammers using cotton and fabric.
Tai'an community also invited local seniors to make lacquer fans, celebrating the Chongyang Festival together.
By making fans together, the seniors not only strengthened neighborhood bonds but also experienced the charm of traditional culture.
A Peking Opera performer puts on a show for the elderly in Taikang community. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_4df9b5f9b40b]
Parents and children in Runtai community work together to make handicrafts. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_4df9b5f9b40b]
Seniors from Tai'an community show off their hand-made lacquer fans. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_4df9b5f9b40b]