The Jingzhe Festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. It is a time for family reunions, honoring the elderly, and engaging in various games and activities. Here’s a list of English names of games that are commonly played during the Jingzhe Festival:
1. Tangyuan Making
Tangyuan, also known as rice dumplings, are a staple food during the Jingzhe Festival. While making tangyuan, family members often engage in a fun activity where they compete to see who can make the most perfectly shaped dumplings.
English Name: Tangyuan Making
2. Dragon and Phoenix Dance
This traditional dance is performed to celebrate the festival. It involves two groups, one dressed as dragons and the other as phoenixes, performing intricate moves to the beat of traditional Chinese music.
English Name: Dragon and Phoenix Dance
3. Hanging Chrysanthemum Flowers
Chrysanthemum flowers are believed to bring good luck and longevity. During the Jingzhe Festival, people hang these flowers in their homes or wear them as accessories.
English Name: Chrysanthemum Flower Hanging
4. Pumpkin Carving
Similar to Halloween, pumpkin carving is a popular activity during the Jingzhe Festival. Families get together to carve scary faces or other designs into pumpkins and place them in their homes or yards.
English Name: Pumpkin Carving
5. Stalking the Nine-Dash Line
This game involves tracing the outline of the “Nine-Dash Line,” which is a map of the territories claimed by China. The goal is to complete the line as quickly as possible without making any mistakes.
English Name: Stalking the Nine-Dash Line
6. Picking Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum tea is a popular beverage during the festival. Picking chrysanthemum flowers and making tea is a fun activity that families can do together.
English Name: Chrysanthemum Tea Picking
7. Pinecone Shooting
This game involves shooting pinecones at a target. It’s a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
English Name: Pinecone Shooting
8. Fishing for Jiezi
Jiezi are small, edible fruits that are often used in traditional Chinese medicine. During the festival, people participate in a game where they try to fish out jiezi from a bowl of water using chopsticks.
English Name: Fishing for Jiezi
9. Hanging Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns are a symbol of joy and happiness. During the Jingzhe Festival, families hang paper lanterns in their homes and yards to celebrate the occasion.
English Name: Paper Lantern Hanging
10. Singing and Dancing
Singing and dancing are traditional activities during the Jingzhe Festival. People gather to perform traditional songs and dances, celebrating the holiday with music and movement.
English Name: Singing and Dancing
These are just a few of the many games and activities that are enjoyed during the Jingzhe Festival. Whether you’re celebrating in China or elsewhere, these games can help you get in the spirit of the holiday and connect with the rich cultural heritage of this special time of year.