Event Recap | The Elegance of Tang Poetry Welcomes the Double Ninth Festival, While Fragrant Mugwort Pillows Convey Heartfelt Care

+DOUBLE NINTH FESTIVAL+

On the day of the event, the visitor service center on the first floor of Yumingtang was already filled with the gentle fragrance of mugwort. Visitors sat quietly, their tables neatly arranged with custom‑made, handcrafted kits: tightly lined fabric encased aged moxa wool, while simple, coarse‑woven pillowcases lay nearby. Each kit reflected a thoughtful commitment to “time‑honored wellness practices” and to meeting the needs of older adults.

Staff patiently explained the intangible cultural heritage technique of processing mugwort: “We use aged mugwort floss, which not only lacks any irritating odor but also preserves the herb’s gentle, warming medicinal properties—making it especially beneficial for the cervical spine.” To accommodate the needs of older participants, the event deliberately simplified the sewing steps and thoughtfully provided tables and chairs at just the right height, ensuring that everyone could work comfortably. The atmosphere was calm and unhurried, filled with the subtle fragrance of mugwort and the occasional burst of cheerful laughter. As one by one, plump mugwort cervical pillows took shape, participants held their creations, their faces brimming with a sense of accomplishment: “These are far more meaningful than store‑bought pillows—made with our own hands, they make thoughtful gifts for elders too!”

This event is more than just a hands-on crafting experience—it is a celebration of tradition, a journey back to our cultural roots. Using the “mugwort pillow” as a vessel, we transform the age-old customs of “gifting on Double Ninth Festival and honoring the elderly with filial piety” from abstract ideals into tangible warmth that can be held in one’s hands. By integrating time-honored intangible cultural techniques—such as mugwort processing and handcrafted pillow-making—we bring ancient health‑preserving wisdom out of the pages of history and into everyday objects that are both touchable and practical. We also weave in the humanistic care of Tang Xianzu’s cultural legacy, ensuring that every stitch and thread reflects respect for our senior community—just as Tang’s works cherish the dignity and worth of humanity. Looking ahead, our institution will continue to explore the contemporary relevance of China’s outstanding traditional culture, bringing more cultural activities into the lives of the public, infusing culture with warmth and breathing new vitality into tradition.

This Double Ninth Festival, do you also have an unforgettable story about respecting the elderly? Feel free to share your heartwarming moments in the comments!