In the traditional Chinese calendar, the Chung Yeung Festival (also known as the Double Ninth Festival) is observed on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. Family members gather to pay homage to the departed by sprucing up their tombstones with flowers and sharing meals. Chung Yeung is approaching fast, and whether or not you celebrate, here are a few things you can learn from the traditional holiday.
Don’t forget your roots
During the centuries-old festival of Chung Yeung, families scale tall hills and mountains to visit their ancestors. As a result, the younger generation get to know more about their deceased relatives the lives they lived and the culture, customs and traditions of their family.
Even if you have achieved great things in your selected field of work, you must never forget the days when you were merely an intern, trying your best to please your superiors. Pay it forward by taking out time to coach the next generation of talent.
Respect the work of those who came before you
At the root of the Chung Yeung Festival is the core tenet of respect for one’s ancestors. According to custom, families honour the dead by cleansing their graves and making offerings that ensure their comfort in the afterlife. The comforts you are currently enjoying are a direct result of the efforts of your forebears, who sacrificed much to ensure that their descendants can live in comfort.
Similarly, if you work in a company or industry which has been around for a while, you should be grateful to the pioneers whose innovations and contributions have improved your professional lives and paved the way for better things to come.
Cherish the wisdom of your senior colleagues
Chung Yeung is a time for older and younger generations of the family to be reunited. During the festival, several initiatives and events are organised to commemorate the country’s senior citizens, who have lived a long, fulfilling life. Listen well to the stories of their hardship and you’ll be able to glean valuable life lessons.
If you hit a professional snag and don’t know how to proceed, seek the advice of more experienced colleagues who have been in similar situations. You will gain plenty of perspective, which will help you approach the problem from varying angles. Who knows – you might even find the solution in the process.
Treasure every moment spent with your families
More than anything, Chung Yeung is a time for kinfolk to come together in celebration of the legacy they have created. While we may not always be on the same page as the older members of our family the festivities call for us to put our differences aside and share joyous moments.
Don’t use the pretext of work to avoid visiting your relatives. All of us have limited time on this Earth, so make it a point to carve out time from your busy schedules to spend time with a loved one.
