There are many different stories of the origin of the custom to “climb the heights” on Double Ninth Day.

Some say that the custom originates from the worship of the mountain god, who was believed to have the power to drive disasters away from people. Thus on the Double Ninth Festival, when “the extreme Yang would turn to Yin,” people went to climb the mountains to avoid the disasters caused by this transition.

At first, there were some rites to pray to the mountain god for good luck. This activity gradually changed into an entertainment. In his book, “Collection of Five Lines” (Wu Za Zu), Xie Zhaozhe of Ming Dynasty explained this. The ancient Chinese believed that “The number nine is Lao Yang. When the yang comes to its extreme, it will turn to Yin.” The ninth day of the ninth month of the year is considered ominous. This led to a series of activities to avoid misfortune and seek long life.

Another saying is that on the Double Ninth Festival, the autumn harvest has finished, and the peasants are free at the end of the season. At the same time, the wild fruit, medicinal herbs and other crops are ripe. The farm people go to the mountain to collect the wild fruits, herbs and plant materials, which they call the “Little Harvest.” The custom to climb the mountains may have evolved from this.

The reason to set a certain day for this hike is same as setting a day to plant in the spring. It is just a symbol of the activity. Besides, the weather on Double Ninth Day is cool and pleasant, and the air is clear. It is very suitable to go for a hike and enjoy a beautiful view.

Translated by Zhang Min

Editor: Shi Liwei