Learn more about Double Ninth Festival
Discover traditions, greetings, and celebration guides
What is 菊花茶?
Chrysanthemum tea is a delicate herbal infusion made from dried chrysanthemum flowers, enjoyed during the Double Ninth Festival to symbolize longevity, health, and the resilience of autumn flowers against the cold.
The Story Behind 菊花茶
On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, families climb mountains to appreciate chrysanthemums in full bloom. These flowers are the last to bloom before winter, representing perseverance and the ability to thrive in adversity. elders drink chrysanthemum tea while children offer them chrysanthemum branches. The tea's golden color and honey-like aroma remind us that beauty persists even as seasons change. After the climb, warm tea awaits—a reward and a blessing for long life.
Cultural Meaning
Chrysanthemums (菊花) bloom in autumn when other flowers fade, symbolizing resilience and the ability to thrive in hardship. In Chinese culture, they represent noble character and long life. Drinking chrysanthemum tea during Double Ninth is a wish for the elder drinker to live as long as these flowers—strong until the very end.
Historical Origins
Chrysanthemum appreciation dates back over 3,000 years to the Zhou Dynasty. The tea-drinking tradition became formalized during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) when poets like Du Fu wrote extensively about chrysanthemums. By the Song Dynasty, drinking chrysanthemum tea on Double Ninth became widespread custom.
Regional Variations
Hangzhou: Premium dried chrysanthemums from local fields. Beijing: Often combined with goji berries and rock sugar. Guangdong: Served ice-cold in summer, hot in autumn. Taiwan: Specialty varieties with honey notes.
When to Eat
Double Ninth Festival morning and afternoon, autumn mountain climbing trips, and any time to promote health and relaxation.
With Whom
Elders (especially to honor them), visiting guests as a welcoming drink, and family members of all ages during autumn gatherings.
How to Pronounce
jú huā cháJú huā chá (JOO HWA CHAH) - 'Ju' has a rising tone, 'hua' falling tone. Practice: 'JOO-HWA-CHAH'.
How to Order
'Wǒ yào júhuā chá' (I want chrysanthemum tea). 'Lái yì bēi rè de' (Bring one hot, please). 'Yǒu fàng táng de ma?' (Do you have it with sugar/honey?)
Tips & Traditions
- 1Use water just below boiling (80-85°C) to preserve flavor
- 2Add rock sugar or honey to balance the slight bitterness
- 3Best served in clear glass to see the flowers bloom
- 4Often paired with osmanthus cakes (桂花糕)
- 5Can be re-steeped 2-3 times with remaining flavor
What to Avoid
- !Don't serve to those with cold/flu—it can worsen symptoms
- !Don't use boiling water—it damages delicate flowers
- !Don't drink without appreciating the flowers first
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