The festival is directly related to the philosophical concept of yin and yang, two interconnected aspects that symbolize dark and light, night and day, the moon and the sun, femininity and masculinity, earth and sky, water and fire, accordingly.

According to Chinese tradition, nine is a yang number. The double nine (i.e., the 9th day of the 9th month in the Chinese calendar) has too much yang, which is potentially dangerous. Hence, it is customary to perform special rituals that help avoid danger. One can climb a mountain, drink chrysanthemum wine or tea, or wear Cornelian cherry (zhuyu). Cornelian cherry and chrysanthemum are believed to have cleansing and protecting qualities.

In Japan, the festival is known as Chōyō but also as the Chrysanthemum Festival (菊の節句, Kiku no Sekku) and it is one of Japan's five sacred ancient festivals (sekku).

In Korea, the festival is known as Jungyangjeol (중양절), and it is celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th month. Koreans would consume chrysanthemum leaves in pancakes. As the festival is meant to celebrate and cultivate good health, outdoor activities such as carrying dogwood, climbing hills or mountains for picnics, and gazing at chrysanthemum blossoms are carried out.