The dragon raises its head, on the second day of the second month of the lunar calendar, commonly known as the Green Dragon Festival. Legend has it that it is the day when the dragon raises its head. It is a traditional festival in rural my country, called the "Dragon Head Festival". As the saying goes: "On February 2, the dragon raises its head, and our small households use plowing oxen." At this time, the Yang Qi rises, the earth thaws, and spring plowing is about to begin. It is the time to transport manure and prepare for plowing. Legend has it that this festival originated from the period of Fuxi, the head of the Three Emperors. The Fuxi family "focuses on farming, mulberry trees, and plowing the fields." On February 2 every year, "the emperor's wife delivers food, and the imperial driver plows the land herself." They take care of one-third of an acre of land. Later, Huang Di, Tang Yao, Yu Shun, and Xia Yu all followed the example of their ancestors. King Wu of Zhou not only followed this traditional practice, but also implemented it as an important national policy. On the second day of February, a major ceremony was held to allow all civil and military officials to cultivate one-third of an acre of land. This is the historical legend of the Dragon Head Festival. Another theory is that Wu Zetian abolished the Tang Dynasty and established the Zhou Dynasty as emperor, which angered the Jade Emperor and ordered the Dragon King not to rain for three years. The Dragon King couldn't bear the loss of life and secretly sent a heavy rain. When the Jade Emperor learned about it, he kicked the Dragon King out of the heavenly palace and pinned it under the mountains. The people of Li felt grateful for the Dragon King's rain and prayed to heaven every day. Finally, the Jade Emperor was moved and he released the Dragon King on the second day of February. So there was "February 2". , the saying goes that the dragon raises its head. In fact, rural water conservancy conditions were poor in the past. Farmers attached great importance to spring rain and celebrated the "Dragon Head Festival" to show respect to the dragon and pray for rain so that God would bless a good harvest. This was a good wish in terms of their wishes, so the "Dragon Head Festival" has been passed down to this day!
The reason why the second day of the second month of the lunar calendar is called the Dragon’s Head Festival is actually related to ancient celestial phenomena. In the old days, people divided the stars near the ecliptic into twenty-eight groups, indicating the positions of the sun, moon and stars in the sky, commonly known as the "twenty-eight constellations", which were used as a reference for astronomical observations. The "Twenty-Eight Constellations" are divided into four major groups according to the four directions of east, west, north and south, resulting in the "Four Symbols": Canglong in the East, White Tiger in the West, Suzaku in the South, and Xuanwu in the North. The seven constellations of Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, and Ji in the "Twenty-Eight Constellations" form a dragon-shaped star, which people call the Eastern Canglong. Among them, Spica represents the dragon's horns, Kang represents the dragon's throat, and Di represents the dragon. Claws and Antarctica represent the dragon's heart, while Osu and Jisu represent the dragon's tail. There is a record in "Shuowen" that the dragon "can be dark or bright, thin or giant, short or long, ascend to the sky at the vernal equinox, and submerge in the abyss at the autumnal equinox", which actually talks about the changes in the astrology of the Canglong in the East!
In ancient times, people observed that the Canglong star rose in the eastern night sky in spring and set in the west in autumn. Its appearance and location were consistent with the agricultural cycle of the year. When farming begins in spring, the Canglong star begins to rise in the eastern night sky, revealing its bright dragon head. In summer, crops grow, and the Canglong star hangs in the southern night sky. In autumn, when crops are harvested, the Canglong star also begins to fall in the west. In winter, all things are hiding, and the Canglong star is also hidden. below the northern horizon. Every year on the night of the second day of the second lunar month, the Canglong constellation begins to emerge from the east. Spica, representing the dragon's horn, begins to appear from the eastern horizon. About an hour later, Kangsu, the dragon's throat, rises above the horizon, close to midnight. , Disu, the Dragon Claw also appeared. This is the process of "dragon raising its head". After that, the date of "dragon raising its head" every day was about a little earlier. After more than a month, the entire "dragon head" was "raised". Later, this day was given multiple meanings and sustenance, and evolved into the "Dragon Head-Raising Festival" and "Spring Dragon Festival"!
The formation of the Dragon Head-Raising Festival on the second day of February is also related to the natural geographical environment. The Dragon Heads-Up Festival, held on the second day of February, is mainly popular in northern areas (the south has more water and less land, so it is popular to worship the gods of the land on this day). Due to the perennial drought and lack of rainfall in the northern region, surface water resources are scarce, and agricultural production is inseparable from water. The invasion of pests and diseases is also a major problem for crops. Therefore, people's psychology of praying for rain and eliminating pests is reflected in their daily beliefs. , the Dragon Head-Heading Festival on the second day of February is particularly important to people: relying on the worship of the dragon to drive away evil spirits, and reposing people's yearning for a better life - the dragon god blesses the world, brings peace to people and animals, and good harvests. On the day when the Dragon raises its head, Snake and Dragon people will do well to wash their clothes and wash away all the bad luck. Another saying: On the second day of February, the dragon raises its head. It is said that the second day of February is the day when Huangdi Xuanyuan was born. On the second day of the second month of the lunar calendar, it is said that the Dragon King, the god of rainfall in the sky, raises his head. This means that there will be more rain in the future, which is conducive to farming. One theory is that the Dragon King missed his lost daughter, so he always raised his head from the bottom of the sea on the second day of the second lunar month and looked in the direction of his lost daughter to express his thoughts.
About the legend of "The Dragon Raising Its Head":
King Yao
It is said that the father of King Yao, Emperor Ku (Emperor Jun)***, had four princesses: Jiang Yuan (jiāng yuán), Jian Di (jiǎn dí), Qingdu, Changyi. Chang Yi originally had the lowest status, but since she gave birth to her son, everyone started to look at her differently. Qingdu has always been worried about not having a son. Someone told her that the Goddess Temple is very effective in praying for a child. As long as you are sincere, nothing will happen. Qingdu followed the witch's instructions and went to the temple to place offerings after the Lantern Festival dinner. Then he kowtowed three times respectfully, clasped his hands together, and prayed to the gods for a child. There was a severe drought one year and the people lived in poverty. There was a red dragon in the sky. Seeing the miserable situation in the world, he felt compassion and secretly rained. When the Jade Emperor found out about this, he pinned the red dragon under a mountain. The people interceded for the Red Dragon, and the Jade Emperor said: "Unless the golden beans bloom." On February 2, an old mother came from nowhere and kept shouting: "Sell the golden beans!" People were puzzled and bought them back. When I looked at it, I saw that it was some soybeans. When these soybeans were fried in a pot, they blossomed. When the Jade Emperor learned about it, he had no choice but to release the red dragon and demote it to the mortal world.
After Qingdu asked for a son from the Goddess Temple, he looked forward to good news every day. One night, she dreamed of a red dragon following her, and she became pregnant from then on. On February 2 of the following year, there was lightning and thunder, and then the sun shone brightly. A golden light shone in the courtyard, and the child was born. He was named Fangxun, who later became King Yao. Fangxun was smart and lovable since he was a child. When he grew up and became an emperor, he plowed the fields with the people every February 2nd. The custom of the emperor plowing the fields was passed down in this way. During the Chinese New Year, the woodblock New Year paintings sold on the market, "The Emperor's Grandfather Makes the Golden Ox", are derived from this.
Wu Zetian
There is still such a mythical story circulating among the people in northern my country. It is said that Wu Zetian became emperor and angered the Jade Emperor, who ordered the Dragon King of the Four Seas not to rain on earth for three years. Soon, the Dragon King, who was in charge of the Tianhe River, heard the cries of the people and saw the tragic scenes of people dying of starvation. He was worried that his life in the world would be cut off, so he disobeyed the Jade Emperor and made rain fall on the world. When the Jade Emperor learned of this, he brought the Dragon King down to earth and pinned him down under a mountain to suffer. A monument was erected on the mountain: "The Dragon King's rainfall violates the rules of heaven, and he shall be punished for the rest of his life. If he wants to return to Lingxiao Pavilion, he will not be able to return to the Lingxiao Pavilion until the golden beans bloom." In order to save the Dragon King, people looked for blooming golden beans everywhere. On the second day of the second lunar month of the following year, when people were drying corn seeds, they thought that corn is like golden beans. When they are fried and bloomed, wouldn't it be golden beans blooming? So every household popped corn flowers and set up a table in the yard to burn incense. Offer flowering "golden beans". The Dragon King looked up and knew that the people were saving him, so he shouted to the Jade Emperor: "The golden beans are blooming, let me out quickly!" When the Jade Emperor saw the golden beans blooming in every courtyard in the world, he had to pass on an edict and ordered the Dragon King to return. Heaven continues to bring clouds and rain to the world. Since then, people have formed a habit of popping corns every second day of February.
Regarding the custom of "dragon raising its head":
1. Shaving the dragon's head
The second day of the second lunar month is the day when the dragon ascends to heaven. Folks believe that shaving one's head is done on this day. , will make people have good luck and good luck. Children's haircuts are called "happy head" shavings, taking advantage of the auspicious time when the dragon raises its head to bless the children's healthy growth and success when they grow up. Adults' haircuts mean saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new, hoping to bring good omens and good luck. An old folk proverb says, "Shave the dragon's head on February 2, and you will have a healthy head all year long." On this day, every barber shop is full of customers and business is booming.
In addition, there is a folk saying that "the uncle will die if he gets a haircut in the first month". Many people do not visit barber shops in the twelfth lunar month, and the ban is not lifted until "February 2". Every February 2nd, every barber shop is full of customers and business is booming. According to research, not shaving your head in the first month of the year was originally a sign of "nostalgia for the past". The first month of the year is the beginning of the year, just like the morning of the day. No hair is shaved for a month in the first month to honor the tradition. "Nostalgia for the past" has been associated with him for a long time, so he mistakenly called him "dead uncle".
2. Eating dragon food
There is also a certain emphasis on diet on this day. Because people believe that "the power of the dragon is strong", most of the food on this day is named after the dragon. Eating spring pancakes is called "Eating Dragon Scales", eating noodles is called "Eating Dragon Beards", eating rice is called "Eating Dragon Zi", eating wontons is called "Eating Longan", eating dumplings is called "Eating Long Er", noodles and wontons are eaten together. Boiling it is called "dragon holding beads", eating pig heads is called "eating dragon heads", and eating scallion pancakes is called "tearing dragon skin".
On the second day of the second lunar month, there is also the custom of "the dragon raises its head and eats the pig's head". People buy pork head meat one after another, hoping for a good omen in the new year. These customs express people's best wishes to pray to the dragon for blessings, good weather and abundant harvests. (Recommendations for what to eat when the dragon raises its head)
On the second day of February, when the dragon raises its head, it is natural to eat some traditional dragon-related delicacies. It is an auspicious meal and a good start for the new year!
p>3. Golden beans bloom
After the Spring Festival, rural areas will soon enter the spring plowing and spring planting season, and it is necessary to identify the seed germination rate. At that time, some corn and soybeans saved as seeds from the previous year were put into the pot and fried. Seeds that are damaged by insects or moisture will not burst. Farmers use this to determine the germination rate of the seeds to determine whether they can be used. Fried corn and beans are used as snacks. There is also a legend about the Dragon King disobeying the Jade Emperor's will to save the common people. The Jade Emperor would not let him go until the golden beans bloomed. People then fried corn and popped the flowers to rescue the Dragon King. Every February 2nd, people pop corn and fry beans.
4. Releasing dragon lanterns
There is also the custom of "arranging dragon lanterns" in the river delta and some areas along the river. Many people tie up reeds or straw into small boats, put in candles or small oil bowls dug from radish, and wait until dusk to light them in the river or bay to light the way for the dragon. To entertain and convey good wishes at the same time.
5. Surrounding the Granary
In the early morning of the second day of the second lunar month, villagers in many areas in the north get up early, and housewives take out a basket of plant ash left from burning firewood from under their stoves. Take a small shovel and shovel some plant ash, and shake it by hand to draw circles on the ground. The circles around the warehouse are large and small, ranging from three circles to five circles. They surround singles but not doubles. After surrounding the barn, the family's grains were reverently placed in the middle of the barn, and intentionally scattered around the perimeter of the barn to symbolize the great harvest that year.
6. Sacrifice to the community
In the south, the custom of worshiping the community is still followed on February 2nd. For example, in Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and other regions, there are customs similar to the Dragon’s Head Festival. There is also a new "February 2" custom based on the custom of worshiping the community. Because "the earth carries all things" and "wealth can be gathered from the earth", the earth god is generally worshiped in southern my country, also known as "she", "social god", "earth god" and "good fortune god". Hakka people call it "earth uncle" . The "February 2nd" social day is mainly for worshiping the land and gathering for social drinks to entertain people by worshiping and entertaining gods.
7. Picking up the girl
In the old days, the bride would not come home in the first month and the daughter-in-law would not leave her parents' home. After the first month, the second day of February is another auspicious day, so every family takes their daughters back to their parents' homes. Especially those who are pregnant, there is a saying that the dragon energy will be brought back to their parents' home. During her days at her parents' home, apart from eating and drinking, the "girl" just visited and chatted, which was relaxed and happy. When city people "bring a girl", they bring the girl and her son-in-law back together for a sumptuous lunch. This custom is very popular in most areas in the north, and many areas continue to this day.
8. Writing Ceremony
The third day of February is the birthday of Wenchang. Wenchang is the god who governs fame and fame. On this day, literati and scholars worship Wenchang and seek imperial examinations. According to the old custom, children perform a pen-opening ceremony on February 2, indicating the beginning of formal learning. Scholars in the past had to perform four rites, namely the opening ceremony, the advancement ceremony, the thanksgiving ceremony and the number one scholar ceremony. Among them, the opening ceremony was the first great gift in life. Starting a pen means starting to write an article. The ceremony mainly includes worshiping the statue of Confucius, teaching the most basic principles of life, and giving the four treasures of the study. This activity has now been resumed in many places.
9. Knocking on the faucet
In some areas of the Northeast, on the morning of February 2, people hit the beams with long poles, which is called "knocking on the faucet." Awaken the dragon and bless you with peace. Adults and children also recite: "On February 2, the dragon raises its head, the big warehouse is full, and the small warehouse is full." In some places, people use stove ashes to spread large circles in the yard and put grains in the middle, which is called "hoarding". ” or “fill the warehouse”, wishing for a good harvest and a full warehouse.
10. Mustard rice
Eating mustard rice on the second day of the second lunar month is a widely circulated custom among Wenzhou folk, and there is a saying that "eating mustard rice will not cause scabies". At the same time, mustard rice is also a must-eat meal for Yongding Hakka people on the twentieth day of the first lunar month. Because mustard has a bitter taste, it is used to make rice to represent the end of the new year. Everyone is ready to endure hardships and work hard for the new year.
Proverbs about the dragon raising its head on the second day of February
1. On the second day of the second month, the dragon raises its head, and the weather will be smooth and the year will be good; stock up and prepare ladders, you will have plenty of food and clothing and no worries.
2. On February 2, the dragon raises its head, the big warehouse is full, and the small warehouse is full.
3. On the second day of February, the dragon raises its head, the emperor plows the land and ministers drive cattle, the empress of the palace comes to deliver food, the ministers of the dynasty throw away the seeds, spring plowing and summer work lead the world, and the grain is abundant and peaceful autumn.
4. "On February 2nd, the dragon raises its head, and our small households use their oxen"
5. On February 2nd, the dragon raises its head, and farmers are busy repairing plowshares.
6. On the second day of February in mid-spring, grain seeds are ready to be planted.
7. On February 2, the dragon raises its head, and every family has "manna" on their heads. Intensive farming will make you sweat. This year it is again Great harvest.
8. On February 2, instead of eating in the nest, I went to the ground and made a pot.
9. On February 2nd, instead of drinking tea, I went to the field and got a shot.
10. On February 2nd, it’s a knock on the head, big stores are full, small stores are empty.
11. On February 2nd, I knocked on the desk and had no place to put the food.
12. On February 2nd, knock on the pot and big and small ingots will roll out.
13. On February 2, knocking on the door and sitting still will produce gold.
14. On February 2nd, there was a knock on the door, and the older one led the younger one away.
15. On February 2, if you shine on the beams of the house, there will be no place for scorpions and centipedes to hide.
16. On February 2, when lime is spread, scorpions and centipedes will die in piles.
17. On February 2, when you knock the spoon and fork, scorpions and centipedes crawl out.
18. On February 2nd, sprinkle some ashes, scorpions and centipedes are leaning against the wall.
19. On February 2nd in mid-spring, the grain seeds are ready to be planted.
20. On February 2, when you hit the beams of the house, scorpions and centipedes will not get off the wall.
21. Sweep the bottom of the pot on February 2 to save firewood and fire without wasting rice.
22. Sweep the kang mat on February 2nd, and it will be refreshing until the end of the year.