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The Double Ninth Festival
“If you would be happy for a lifetime, grow Chrysanthemums.”
~ Chinese Traditional
In Japan, autumn arrives with the chrysanthemum. Known as kiku (菊), chrysanthemums bloom from September through November in glorious shades of red, purple, gold and yellow—and those traditional autumn colours are reflected in the Kiku tartan.
The tartan was originally commissioned as one of four designs in a seasonal set of tartans, created to commemorate two important links between Scotland and Japan: the 150th anniversary of the first treaty between Britain and Japan in 1858, and the arrival in Nagasaki the following year of Thomas Blake Glover, the remarkable Scotsman sometimes known as the “Scottish Samurai.”
The chrysanthemum itself has an even longer history. Introduced to Japan from China many centuries ago, it became deeply embedded in Japanese art, horticulture and ceremony. Associated with longevity and nobility, the chrysanthemum is also the celebrated emblem of Japan's Imperial Family.
And chrysanthemums have a special connection with today's Double Ninth Festival, observed on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. In the ancient Chinese I Ching tradition, nine is a yang number, making the ninth day of the ninth month a powerful “double yang” date. What may once have been a day for warding off danger gradually developed into a celebration associated with climbing hills, enjoying the autumn landscape—and admiring chrysanthemums. ❤️ 💜 🧡 🤍 🏵️ 🏵️ 🏵️
Chrysanthemum Day is one of the five ancient sacred festivals of Japan. It is celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th month in the Chinese Calendar. This festival was was started in 910, when the Japanese imperial court held its first chrysanthemum show. Chrysanthemums are the symbol of the Imperial House of Japan.
The Double Ninth Festival is also a traditional Chinese holiday with the same origins. According to the I Ching, nine is a yang number; the ninth day of the ninth lunar month (or double nine) has too much yang (a traditional Chinese spiritual concept) and is thus a potentially dangerous date.
Although originating as a day of customs to drive away danger, over time it became a day of celebration. In contemporary times it is an occasion for hiking and chrysanthemum appreciation. Most people drink chrysanthemum tea, while a few traditionalists drink homemade chrysanthemum wine. Children learn poems about chrysanthemums, and many localities host chrysanthemum exhibits.
This tartan is one of a set of four in 'The Four Seasons' collection to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first treaty between Japan and the UK (1858) and the arrival of Thomas Blake Glover, the Scottish Samurai, in Nagasaki (1859).
For more about the Chrysanthemum Festival, click the chrysanthemums.