Today is the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, or the Double Ninth Festival according to tradition.
The festival originated as a day to drive away danger. But in Chinese, "ninth" has the same pronunciation as "long." Over time, the festival became a day to celebrate long life and health for seniors. It is the day when people of all ages care for and appreciate their elders.
During the Double Ninth Festival, it is customary to climb mountains, view chrysanthemum and eat Double Ninth cakes.
Zhao Shu, research fellow of Beijing Institute of History & Culture, said, "On this day, we eat Double Ninth cakes. On the ninth day of the ninth month, the green of summer fades, and there comes the golden fall, the season of harvest. We say goodbye to the green and welcome a new year."
In Shanghai, the Huayang community office sends a high-tech present to its senior citizens -- an e-companion. Using this small card, the elderly can search for service information at any time.
In the Xiaying community of Ningbo, in Zhejiang Province, the elderly are busy rehearsing programs for the Double Ninth Festival night gala. The oldest among them is 82.
Today is also the 80th wedding anniversary of an old couple in the city of Zibo, in Shandong Province. Young volunteers bring them flowers and daily necessities, and celebrate with them.
Many sons and daughters choose to buy their parents tours to show their love and appreciation. Trips to Beijing, the Zhangjiajie Natural Reserve, Yuntai Mountain, Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces, and the Five Cities in East China, are the most popular.
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