The Chongyang Festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of the traditional Chinese calendar. Ahead of this year’s festival, international students at Donghua University (DHU) took part in a soap-making workshop organized by the university’s International Education Center.

Chongyang Traditions

The workshop opened with a brief introduction to the festival’s history and cultural significance, as well as an overview of customs such as climbing to high places, admiring chrysanthemums, and honoring the elderly. These customs express wishes for health and longevity and reflect respect for older people.

Soap Basics

The instructor discussed different types of soap, including essential-oil and olive-oil soaps, as well as differences between soaps used in ancient times and modern handmade soaps in terms of ingredients and uses.

Making Soap

The students then began making their own soap under the instructor’s guidance.

Step 1: Shred the soap base.

Step 2: Knead the shredded soap into a firm, smooth ball.

Step 3: Dip the soap ball in fragrant powder.

Step 4: Press the soap ball into a mold to shape it, then let it harden.

The students also shared their thoughts on the workshop.

“This was my first time making soap, and every step, from shredding to molding, was full of surprises! I also learned more about Chongyang customs. I plan to give this soap to my grandmother and wish her good health and a long life,” said one student.

Another student remarked, “I had no idea soap was so different in ancient times. I kneaded the shreds into a firm ball, dipped it in fragrant powder, and pressed it into the mold. The whole process felt like creating a little work of art, and I’m really happy with the soap I made!”

With their finished soaps in hand, the students posed for group photos, bringing the workshop to a close.

 

Source: Donghua University