The second day of the second lunar month, commonly known as "Dragon Heads-raising Day", is a traditional festival that celebrate the arrival of spring and the new year. The dragon is considered to be the deity in charge of rain, an important factor in ancient agriculture in Chinese culture. Legends say that on this day the rain-bringing Dragon King will awake from hibernation and lift his head, which marks the start of spring and the farming season. The festival is sometimes simply called "2 Month 2" (Er Yue Er, 二月二) for short.
Historical Origins
The tradition of "Er Yue Er" dates back to the Tang Dynasty. During this day, people in the Tang Dynasty considered it a day to "welcome wealth and prosperity" and would eat "fortune-bringing pastries", referring to various types of snacks. In the Han Dynasty, Dong Zhongshu mentioned the activity of dragon dancing for rain in his book Chunqiu Fanlu. The image of "dragon dancing" was also found on stone carvings from the Han Dynasty, which later became the origin of dragon lantern dances. Zhou Mi, a writer from the Song Dynasty, mentioned in "Wulin Jiushi" that during the early days of the second lunar month, there was a royal event called "choosing vegetables". During the Yuan Dynasty, the second day of the second lunar month was clearly referred to as "Dragon Heads-raising Day". During this day, it was popular for every household to eat noodles, known as "dragon beard noodles"; pancakes were called "dragon scales"; and dumplings were referred to as "dragon teeth". Various foods were named after different parts of the dragon.
Folk Customs
Having haircuts for good luck:
The most famous tradition on this day is to have a haircut. Some people believed that going to the barber on the second day of the second month would get rid of bad luck. It signifies that all good things start from the "head", bringing good luck and prosperity.
Eating dragon food:
During this day, there is a custom in northern China of burning incense and offering sacrifices at home, and every household has the tradition of eating dragon food. Noodles are called dragon's beard (long xu), dumpling are dragon's ears (long er), spring rolls are dragon's scales (long lin), and popcorn is called dragon seeds (long zi). All the food is associated with the "dragon". In some areas, there is also the custom of "stir-frying golden beans" to symbolize a bountiful harvest.
Releasing dragon lanterns:
In southern regions, the second day of the second lunar month is a time for worshiping the land god. In the Yellow River Delta and some areas along the river, there is a custom of releasing dragon lanterns. Many families make small boats out of reeds or stalks and insert candles or small oil bowls made from radishes.When evening comes, they light the candles or bowls and release them into the river, illuminating the path for the dragon and conveying good wishes.
Spring outing:
It is a perfect time for people to go out and enjoy nature as spring arrives and all plants start to grow. Many people choose to go for a spring outing on this day, hoping for good health and abundant energy in the new year.
"Dragon Heads-raising Day" represents the strong desire of ancient people to pray for blessings from the dragon and for favorable weather conditions. It also reflects the important position of the dragon in Chinese culture. The Great Wall, just like a giant dragon, lies on the northern land. Its magnificent construction and grandeur make it a wonder of the world. Visitors from all over the world are welcome to come to Mutianyu Great Wall, basking in the spring breeze and enjoying the beauty of the season, creating a joyful and fulfilling experience.
