日本の年中行事のひとつに「重陽（ちょうよう）の節句」があります。
五節句（人日の節句・上巳の節句・端午の節句・七夕の節句・重陽の節句）の中で、もっとも秋らしさを感じさせる行事です。
旧暦の9月9日（現在の新暦では10月中旬頃）に行われ、「菊の節句」とも呼ばれます。
重陽の節句とは？
「重陽」とは、中国の陰陽思想に由来する言葉です。
奇数は縁起の良い「陽」の数字とされ、なかでも一番大きな陽数である「九」が重なる9月9日は、陽のエネルギーがもっとも高まる日と考えられました。
この日は長寿や繁栄を願う行事が行われ、菊の花を飾ったり、菊を浮かべたお酒「菊酒」を飲んだりして祝います。
菊は古来より邪気を払う力があるとされ、長寿の象徴とされてきました。
Choyo no Sekku is celebrated on September 9th. It is known as the Chrysanthemum Festival and is a day to wish for health and long life.
菊は日本の国花のひとつ。皇室の紋章としても使われており、日本人にとって特別な花です。
秋の澄んだ空気の中で咲く菊は、凛とした美しさと気品を持っています。
重陽の節句では、菊の花を眺めたり、菊に真綿をかぶせて夜露を吸わせ、その綿で体をぬぐうことで長寿を祈る「被せ綿（きせわた）」という風習もありました。
日本人は花をただ鑑賞するだけではなく、そこに季節や生命の循環、祈りを重ねてきたのです。
Chrysanthemums are symbols of purity and longevity in Japan.
重陽の節句には、栗ご飯を食べる習慣もあります。
秋の実りである栗は「勝ち栗」と呼ばれ、縁起物としてお祝い事に食べられました。
また、菊の花びらを浮かべたお酒「菊酒」を飲むことで、無病息災や長寿を願います。
People enjoy chestnut rice and chrysanthemum sake to celebrate this day.
現代に伝えたい「重陽」のこころ
現代では、重陽の節句を祝う家庭は少なくなっていますが、近年は和文化の再発見として注目され始めています。
季節の花を愛で、実りをいただき、長寿を願う――忙しい現代人にとって、季節を感じて心を整える大切な時間です。
Choyo no Sekku reminds us to slow down, enjoy the season, and be grateful for health.
外国人に説明するときは、こう言うとわかりやすいでしょう。
“Choyo no Sekku is the Japanese Chrysanthemum Festival on September 9th. People enjoy chrysanthemum sake, eat chestnut rice, and wish for a long and healthy life.”
秋の深まりを感じるこの行事は、日本人が自然や季節とともに生きてきた証ともいえます。
重陽の節句をきっかけに、少し足を止めて秋を味わい、家族や友人の健康を願う――そんな時間を過ごしてみるのも素敵ですね。
重陽の節句は、古代から続く日本人の感性と祈りが込められた行事です。
菊を愛で、秋の味覚を楽しみ、長寿を願うこの日。
忘れられがちな行事だからこそ、現代の私たちがもう一度見直して、日常に取り入れたい文化です。
Choyo no Sekku is a celebration of autumn, nature, and life itself.
Choyo no Sekku – Japan’s Chrysanthemum Festival and the Beauty of Autumn
Japan has many seasonal celebrations, and one of the most unique is Choyo no Sekku, also known as the Chrysanthemum Festival.
It is one of Japan’s five seasonal festivals (called gosekku), celebrated on September 9th – a date when the number nine, considered lucky, is repeated.
Although less well-known than New Year or Tanabata, Choyo no Sekku offers a fascinating look at Japan’s connection to nature, health, and longevity.
What Is Choyo no Sekku?
The word “Choyo” comes from ancient Chinese philosophy, where odd numbers were considered auspicious.
The number nine is the highest of the “yang” numbers, so September 9th was believed to hold the strongest positive energy of the year.
In Japan, this day became a celebration of health, good fortune, and long life.
Traditionally, people decorate their homes with chrysanthemums and drink kiku-zake (chrysanthemum sake) to ward off evil spirits and pray for health.
Choyo no Sekku is celebrated on September 9th. People display chrysanthemums and drink sake with flower petals to wish for health and longevity.
The Chrysanthemum – Japan’s Royal Flower
The chrysanthemum is not just a seasonal flower – it is a symbol of Japan itself.
It appears on the Imperial Family crest, and its refined, symmetrical petals have long been admired as a representation of purity and dignity.
In the past, there was even a ritual called kise-wata, where silk cloth was placed over chrysanthemums overnight to absorb the dew.
The cloth was then used to gently wipe the skin, symbolizing the transfer of the flower’s vitality and a wish for long life.
Chrysanthemums represent purity, elegance, and long life in Japanese culture.
Seasonal Food: Chestnut Rice and Chrysanthemum Sake
Like many Japanese festivals, Choyo no Sekku also has its own special food traditions.
Families enjoy kuri gohan (chestnut rice), which celebrates the autumn harvest and symbolizes prosperity.
Drinking chrysanthemum sake is believed to bring good health and protect against illness. People celebrate with chestnut rice and chrysanthemum sake – a perfect taste of autumn.
The Spirit of Choyo Today
Although Choyo no Sekku is not widely celebrated in modern Japan, it is slowly making a comeback as more people rediscover traditional seasonal customs.
Taking a moment to admire flowers, share seasonal food, and pray for the health of loved ones is a beautiful way to slow down and reconnect with the rhythm of nature.
Choyo no Sekku reminds us to pause, enjoy autumn, and be grateful for life.
How to Explain It to Friends
If you want to share this tradition with friends abroad, you can say:
”Choyo no Sekku is the Japanese Chrysanthemum Festival on September 9th. People enjoy chrysanthemum sake, eat chestnut rice, and pray for a long and healthy life.”
This simple explanation captures the essence of the day and introduces others to a seasonal celebration that is both elegant and deeply meaningful.
Why This Festival Matters
Choyo no Sekku is more than just a date on the calendar – it reflects Japan’s timeless respect for nature, health, and harmony.
By observing this festival, even in a small way, we participate in a tradition that has been cherished for centuries.
Choyo no Sekku is a celebration of autumn, nature, and life itself – a quiet reminder to live with gratitude and balance.
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