Chrysanthemum Festival (Choyo no Sekku / Kiku no Sekku)

What Is the Chrysanthemum Festival (Choyo no Sekku)?

September 9th is "Choyo no Sekku," also known as "Kiku no Sekku" (the Chrysanthemum Festival). In ancient Chinese yin-yang cosmology, odd numbers were considered auspicious "yang" numbers, and 9 was the largest single-digit yang number. A date on which 9 appears twice — the 9th day of the 9th month — was therefore considered especially significant, and rituals to ward off evil spirits and pray for longevity have been observed on this day for centuries.

Origins and Historical Background

Choyo no Sekku is one of Japan's "Gosekku" — the Five Seasonal Festivals — alongside Jinjitsu (January 7th), Joshi/Hinamatsuri (March 3rd), Tango (May 5th), and Tanabata (July 7th). In China, the custom of displaying chrysanthemums and drinking chrysanthemum-infused sake to pray for long life developed first, and this tradition was later introduced to Japan, where it became an established court ceremony during the Heian period (794-1185).

• One of the Gosekku: Jinjitsu, Joshi, Tango, Tanabata, and Choyo
• Origin: Chinese yin-yang philosophy, in which odd numbers represent "yang," and the doubling of the largest single-digit yang number, 9, marks a day of special power
• Arrival in Japan: Became an established ceremony of the imperial court during the Heian period

Fun Facts About the Chrysanthemum Festival

• Kikuzake (chrysanthemum sake): A custom of floating chrysanthemum petals in sake and drinking it to pray for longevity and good health.
• Connection to "Kunchi" festivals: Some scholars believe that the famous "Kunchi" festivals of the Kyushu region take their name from "ku-nichi" ("the day of 9"), a reference to Choyo no Sekku.
• "Nochi no Hina" (the Later Dolls): Falling exactly six months after the Hinamatsuri Doll Festival in March, some regions retain a custom of displaying the dolls again on this day, known as "Nochi no Hina."

Tips for Enjoying the Chrysanthemum Festival

Try decorating your home with chrysanthemums, or enjoy seasonal dishes featuring autumn ingredients such as chestnut rice (kuri gohan) or eggplant. Although it's the least well-known of the five seasonal festivals today, Choyo no Sekku offers a wonderful opportunity to mark the change of season with a special seasonal meal.