This holiday, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar, is marked by festivities in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean communities. The tradition is derived from China originally, and is based on a story of a devil that lived in the Nu River,
causing disease amongst the neighboring people. Hengjing, who's parent died at the hands of the devil, went through great tasks to defeat the devil. He was told that by using the power of dogwood and chrysanthemums, he would be aided in destroying the devil and disease. Hengjing and villagers who bore these goods climbed the nearest mountain to wait for the spirit. When the devil did emerge, the chrysanthemums and dogwood distracted him, and Hengjing was able to defeat him. Today, festivities revolve around the consumption of chrysanthemum wine, carrying of driftwood, and the climbing of mountains to celebrate. Chongyang cake, a multi-layered cake with nuts and jujubes, is also enjoyed. Chrysanthemums bloom throughout, and it is a holiday with much joy.
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