1. Origin & Legend (起源与传说)
Mountain Climbing (Deng Gao / 登高) is the definitive custom of the Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang), celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month.
Its origin is tied to a famous Eastern Han Dynasty legend. A man named Huan Jing was warned by his Taoist master that a plague demon would emerge from the local river on the ninth day of the ninth month. To save his village, Huan Jing led everyone to the top of a high mountain, gave them each a sprig of zhuyu (cornel) to wear and a cup of chrysanthemum wine to drink, which protected them from the demon’s poisonous miasma while he descended to slay the beast. Since then, climbing to a high elevation on this day became a ritual for avoiding disasters.
2. Health & Medical Perspective (中医与养生视角)
Beyond the mythology, the tradition of Deng Gao is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese preventative medicine.
The Double Ninth Festival occurs in late autumn. As the weather turns cold, the transition between seasons makes people highly susceptible to illness (the “plague demon” of ancient times). Mountain climbing is a vigorous aerobic exercise that strengthens the lungs and improves blood circulation. Escaping the crowded, potentially damp lowlands to breathe the crisp, clear, and highly oxygenated air at the mountain peak was historically an excellent way to boost the immune system before the harsh winter arrived.
3. Cultural Significance (文化意义)
In traditional Chinese poetry, Deng Gao often carries a bittersweet, reflective tone. Reaching a high peak allows one to gaze far into the distance, which naturally inspires poets to think of faraway friends or reflect on the passage of time and the vastness of the universe.
Moreover, because the word for “high” (Gao / 高) implies longevity and elevation, climbing a mountain is a physical prayer for a long, healthy life. Today, it remains a highly popular family activity, especially emphasizing taking elderly parents out for a gentle hike to enjoy the golden autumn foliage and honor their longevity.