As the gentle light of autumn fills the air, we once again welcome the Double Ninth Festival—a cornerstone of Chinese tradition dedicated to venerating the elderly and respecting the wise.
For children aged 3 to 7, this period is crucial for psychological development and solidifying core values. Introducing traditional customs during this stage can not only help the children carry forward our cultural heritage but also bolster their cultural confidence. Importantly, it plants the seeds of respect and love for the elderly in their minds. To this end, our teachers have prepared a series of activities designed to cultivate gratitude while familiarizing the children with Chinese traditional culture.
Cultural Heritage, Deeply Rooted in the Heart
At Harrow Little Lions, the essence of our cultural education lies in breaking down complex cultural customs into digestible, age-appropriate educational language. While fostering an awareness of traditional culture in our young students, we pay special attention to the understandability of the cultural content. Through vivid tales, engaging stories, and poems, the teachers help the children understand the Double Ninth Festival traditions of mountain climbing, admiring chrysanthemums, decorating with Zhu Yu (a kind of dogwood), and eating “Double Ninth Cake”. They also delve into the festival’s significance in the context of respecting and honouring the elderly.
These warm-hearted children have expressed their understanding of the festival through their drawings and even prepared special gifts for their elders.
On October 20th, we invited parents to the school to join in the Double Ninth Festival celebrations. Dressed in traditional ethnic attire, the children eagerly welcomed their parents’ arrival.
Thank You
The children presented a rehearsed song performance called “Listen to Me: Thank You So Much.” As these little ones waved their tiny hands and sang in their joyful voices, with sincere eyes. The elders were deeply touched by their performance.
Inherit the Beauty of Etiquette，Promote the Virtue of Filial Piety
Chinese traditional tea ceremony has filial piety deeply woven into its rituals. When serving tea to the elders, the left hand holds the cup as a form of courtesy, the right hand supports it as a form of respect, and the heart within expresses gratitude.
Give the Elders a Hug，Bestow Them with Blessing
The children have learned to express their gratitude and love for their elders through their actions: a warm hug, a sweet greeting, some back patting, a shoulder squeeze… They even peel tangerines, one segment at a time, and place them in the hands of the elders, wishing them peace, joy, and long-lasting health.
Family Interaction
The teachers arranged for a family interaction section, where the elders were invited to join the children in making fans. It was heart-warming to see many parents alongside their children, gently guiding them without limiting their imaginations. Eventually, each work was successfully finished, with the children’s creative colouring.
The opportunity to honour our parents is rare and precious, yet the Double Ninth Festival should not be the only opportunity to express companionship and love. After hearing the teachers explain the festival’s traditions of respecting and loving the elderly, many children expressed their intentions to visit their grandparents to wish them a happy holiday. This is exactly the essence of education: to pass down a rich cultural heritage, to ignite the flame of one’s soul, and to unlock the keys to wisdom.
