The custom of eating cakes during the Double Ninth Festival dates back to Han times. "Miscellaneous Records of…
The custom of eating cakes during the Double Ninth Festival dates back to Han times. "Miscellaneous Records of the Western Capital" notes: "On the ninth day of the ninth month, wear dogwood, eat peng'er (cakes), drink chrysanthemum wine, it ensures longevity." By the Song Dynasty, the custom was widespread. Five-color Cakes became one variation, where "eating cake" symbolizes "ascending heights," and the five colors represent the five grains, a wish for good fortune and harvest.