The Dragon raises its head in Zigui County
2023-02-21 20:02:00
By Chen Si, Yichang International Communication Studio
In China, the second day of the second month of the lunar year is called "The Day the Dragon Raises its Head". It is Longtaitou Festival day.
In ancient times, it was the festival that marked the beginning of spring cultivation, when spring returns to the land.
The ancient Chinese believed that on the second day of the second month of the lunar year, the "dragon", which had been hibernating during the winter, began to stretch its giant body and yawn. With a sneeze from the dragon, the grass begins to sprout and will be nourished by the spring rain.
The Day the Dragon Raises its Head is a day to pray for good weather and good fortune, and to drive away evil spirits and avoid disasters. Traditional customs include getting a haircut (removing the old, making space for the new), and launching the dragon boat – after putting the dot in its eye – that will be raced during the Dragon Boat Festival in June.
These customs have been passed down for thousands of years in Wangusi Village, Zigui County, Yichang City.
Since 2018, every year on the Day the Dragon Raises its Head, people in Zigui County gather in Wangusi Village to pray for peace and happiness.
Today is February 21, 2023. In Wangusi Village, they can hear the rustle and the snort – the Dragon is raising its head.
Photo / Zheng Jiayu
In China, the second day of the second month of the lunar year is called "The Day the Dragon Raises its Head". It is Longtaitou Festival day.
In ancient times, it was the festival that marked the beginning of spring cultivation, when spring returns to the land.
The ancient Chinese believed that on the second day of the second month of the lunar year, the "dragon", which had been hibernating during the winter, began to stretch its giant body and yawn. With a sneeze from the dragon, the grass begins to sprout and will be nourished by the spring rain.
The Day the Dragon Raises its Head is a day to pray for good weather and good fortune, and to drive away evil spirits and avoid disasters. Traditional customs include getting a haircut (removing the old, making space for the new), and launching the dragon boat – after putting the dot in its eye – that will be raced during the Dragon Boat Festival in June.
These customs have been passed down for thousands of years in Wangusi Village, Zigui County, Yichang City.
Since 2018, every year on the Day the Dragon Raises its Head, people in Zigui County gather in Wangusi Village to pray for peace and happiness.
Today is February 21, 2023. In Wangusi Village, they can hear the rustle and the snort – the Dragon is raising its head.
Photo / Zheng Jiayu
Folk Culture Show
"Shaving Dragon Heads" (haircut)
Dragon-lion dance and parade
Dragon boat launch
Dragon boat racing
