In the Heian period, September on the Chinese lunar calendar was called Kiku-zuki (the month of the Chrysanthemum), and people set September 9 for the 'Chrysanthemum Festival' and cerebrated it to remove evil and pray for longevity by drinking Kikuka-shu (liquor made from Chrysanthemum, rice and millet, etc.) in 'Kikuka no en' (the feast to viewing Chrysanthemums held in the Imperial Court) with 'Kikuka no sakazuki' (drink cup of the feast of "Kikka no en").
平安時代には、陰暦9月を菊月と呼び、9月9日を「菊の節句」「重陽の節句」とし、菊花酒を飲む「菊花の宴」「菊花の杯」で邪気を払い、長命を祈った。