October 18, 2026 · 星期日
Double Ninth Festival
重阳节· old man or woman
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyOn the Double Ninth Festival, respect and care for the elderly are emphasized, highlighting the cultural value placed on 老人.
寒露 marks the point when the dew turns cold and may verge on frost, signaling a sharper, deeper autumn chill. The air grows dry and brisk, migrating birds head south, and chrysanthemums come into bloom.
People climb heights to admire the autumn views, enjoy chrysanthemums, and in some places drink chrysanthemum wine for health.
Double Ninth Festival
重阳节zhòng yáng jié
The Double Ninth Festival, or Chóngyáng Jié (重阳节), falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. This traditional Chinese holiday encourages people to climb hills, enjoy the beauty of chrysanthemums, and pay respect to the elder generation[1]. The custom of ascending heights is believed to ward off danger and bring good fortune[2].
Chrysanthemums, a symbol of longevity and vitality, play a significant role during this festival. People often use these flowers to decorate their homes or prepare special dishes and drinks. The association of the chrysanthemum with the festival is well-documented in Chinese poetry and art, where it represents the autumn season[3].
In modern times, the festival has gained new significance as China’s Senior Citizens’ Day. It is a time to express gratitude and care for 老人 (lǎorén), or elderly people, by visiting them, preparing special meals, or organizing community activities in their honor. This aspect of the festival highlights the importance of respecting and caring for the older generation in Chinese culture.
The festival's connection to climbing hills and enjoying autumn scenery makes it a joyful celebration of nature and family. By honoring 老人, the festival strengthens family bonds and reinforces the value placed on wisdom and experience in society.
On the Double Ninth Festival, respect and care for the elderly are emphasized, highlighting the cultural value placed on 老人.
今天是重阳节。
Jīntiān shì Chóngyáng Jié.
Today is the Double Ninth Festival.
- [1] 《重阳节的传说与习俗》 The Legends and Customs of the Double Ninth Festival
- [2] 《重阳节》 by 李时珍 (Li Shizhen)
- [3] 《菊花文化》 by 周汝昌 (Zhou Ruchang)
Jason & Amy on 老人
Podcast: Dragon Daily: Double Ninth Festival — and the word 老人
Jason & Amy on Double Ninth Festival and 老人
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October 18, 2026
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他是老人。
Tā shì lǎorén.
He is an elderly person.
This simple sentence identifies someone as an elderly person.
老人喜欢菊花。
Lǎorén xǐhuān júhuā.
Elderly people like chrysanthemums.
Uses 老人 to describe a group of elderly people.
我们要尊敬老人。
Wǒmen yào zūnjìng lǎorén.
We should respect the elderly.
Highlights the cultural respect for elderly people.
老人是智慧的象征。
Lǎorén shì zhìhuì de xiàngzhēng.
Elderly people are a symbol of wisdom.
Uses 老人 in an abstract sense to represent wisdom.
Using 是 to equate nouns
A 是 B
The pattern 'A 是 B' is used to equate or define nouns, meaning 'A is B'.
Use this pattern to describe or identify people or things.
他是医生。
Tā shì yīshēng.
He is a doctor.
这是书。
Zhè shì shū.
This is a book.
她是学生。
Tā shì xuéshēng.
She is a student.
What does 老人 mean?
How is 老人 pronounced?
How do you write "elderly person" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
他是___。(He is ___. )
我们要尊敬老人。 — What does this sentence mean?
What activity is traditionally associated with the Double Ninth Festival?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Which philosopher born in 1130 greatly influenced East Asian thought?
In which field did Yang Chen-Ning contribute significantly?
Frequently asked questions about the word 老人
No, '老人' can refer to both old men and women.
Yes, it is often used to refer to one's aged parents or grandparents.
It is generally respectful and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Today's Mandarin word: 老人 (lǎorén) — old man or woman.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉