September 9th is known as “Chōyō no Sekku,” the Double Ninth Festival.
In ancient Chinese philosophy, odd numbers were considered “yang” numbers, symbolizing positive energy. Among them, nine was the highest, and when it overlaps on the 9th day of the 9th month, it is called “Chōyō.” Because “too much yang” was thought to bring misfortune, people began to celebrate this day as a seasonal festival to ward off evil spirits.
The festival was introduced to Japan during the Heian period and developed as a court tradition. Since chrysanthemums are in full bloom at this time of year, it is also called the “Chrysanthemum Festival.” People admired the flowers, drank chrysanthemum-infused sake, or floated chrysanthemum petals in their drinks while wishing for longevity.
At Wasako, we also celebrate this tradition by serving a special chrysanthemum-shaped nerikiri (a traditional Japanese confection) from Sencha, a long-established sweets shop in Asakusa.
Please enjoy this seasonal delicacy along with your tea experience.
9月9日 は「重陽（ちょうよう）の節句」です。
古代中国の陰陽思想では、奇数を「陽」の数としました。
その中でも「9」は一番大きな陽数で、それが重なる 9月9日 は「重陽（ちょうよう）」と呼ばれました。
ただし「陽が重なる＝過ぎる」として、不吉を避けるために節句として祝い、邪気を払う行事になったのです。
日本では平安時代に中国から伝わり、宮中行事として発展しました。
菊の花がちょうど見ごろの時期であったため、「菊の節句」とも呼ばれます。
菊の花を眺めたり、菊酒を飲んだり、菊の花びらを浮かべたお酒をいただいて長寿を願いました。
和茶子-wasako-でも、浅草の老舗銘菓店、千茶さんの菊のねりきりを提供しています。
美味しいお菓子もお楽しみになさってください。
