Double Ninth Festival Customs:Wearing Dogwood

The dogwood is a species of evergreen arbor; it is heavy-scented plant whose fruit is edible and stock and leaves can be medicinal materials. They can expel insects, get rid of the humidity, help digestion and cure inner heat. It puts out purple flowers in spring and bears, in autumn, purplish-brown fruit that is sour, puckery and mild in nature.

The custom of wearing dogwoods was already very popular in the Tang Dynasty. The ancient people believed that planting dogwoods on Double Ninth Festival could prevent diseases and avoid disasters. They also wear them on arms or heads or put them in sachets. Most of people that follow the custom are women and children, and in some places men also wear them.