Dragon Head Raising Day (Long Tai Tou)

The saying of "the rise of the dragon" comes from ancient astronomy. In ancient times, people chose 28 groups of stars near the equator of the ecliptic as coordinates as a reference for observing celestial phenomena. According to the track and position of the sun, moon and stars, the ancients divided the stars near the ecliptic into 28 groups, commonly known as "28 constellations". "Su" means living, because they are surrounded by the sun, moon and five stars, much like the place where the sun, moon and five stars live, so they are called "Su". "Twenty eight Nights" is divided into four groups according to the four directions of East, West, North and south, resulting in "four elephants": Oriental Canglong, western white tiger, southern rosefinch and Northern basaltic. The seven places in the East are called "Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei and Ji". The seven places form a complete dragon shaped astrology, which is called "Oriental Canglong". Among them, Jiao represents the Dragon horn, Kang represents the dragon's throat, di represents the dragon's claw, Xin represents the dragon's heart, Wei and Ji represent the dragon's tail. In winter, the black dragon disappeared under the northern horizon for seven nights. In the middle of spring (between the awakening of insects and the vernal equinox), spica (spica 1 and Spica 2) appeared on the eastern horizon. At this time, the whole body of the black dragon was still hidden below the horizon, but spica was just emerging, so it was called "dragon rise". The rise of the Dragon refers to the looming change of the stars in the sky. It is not that there is a real animal dragon changing.

The haunting cycle of Canglong Qisu is consistent with the one-year farming period. At the beginning of farming in spring, the green dragon Qisu began to rise slowly on the eastern horizon, and the first thing to show is the bright dragon head Jiaosu; In summer, when crops grow, the black dragon hangs high in the southern night sky; In the autumn, when the crops had a good harvest, the green dragon began to fall in the West; In winter, everything is hidden, and the black dragon is hidden below the northern horizon. The ancients called "seeing the dragon in the field" (i.e. "the rise of the dragon") for the emergence of the Canglong Qisu on the eastern horizon in mid spring, and "flying dragon in the sky" for the rise of the Canglong Qisu to the due south midheaven in mid summer; In addition, there are "the dragon with regret" and "the Dragon without a head", which correspond to the celestial phenomena of each season respectively. The rise of the Dragon indicates in the farming culture that Yang comes out from the bottom of the earth, rain increases, and everything is full of vitality. Therefore, spring farming began. When the Dragon rises, many places south of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River have begun to enter the rainy season, and the spring thunder begins to sound. In the Yuan Dynasty, the "February 2" of the lunar calendar was called "dragon rise". From the solar terms, the "second day of February" was between the "rain", "waking insects" and "spring equinox" of the 24 solar terms. There are many activities related to "dragon rise", but in either way, they are carried out around the beautiful Dragon God belief. It is an activity for people to place their hope for survival. As far as the whole country is concerned, due to different regions, local customs are also different.

Dragon is a mythical creature living in the sea in ancient myths and legends of China and other East Asian regions. It is the master of weather and weathering rain and is often used to symbolize auspiciousness. It originated from the worship of natural phenomena, which is related to the understanding of astronomy on the operation of stars and farming culture in ancient times. The purpose of the ancients' observation of celestial phenomena was to determine the time, so as to provide services for agricultural production. Dragon head raising is the reflection of Chinese ancient farming culture on the season. Although "dragon head raising" has a long historical source, it has been widely spread as a national festival and appeared in the literature. It is recorded after the Yuan Dynasty.

Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty is an important period of cultural exchange and integration between North and South China. There are records of the image of the dragon in the documents of the Han Dynasty. Dong Zhongshu of the Western Han Dynasty mentioned the activities of dragon dancing and praying for rain in his spring and autumn fan Lu, which was held directly with the help of the image of the dragon. The dance scene of "playing with the dragon" is also engraved on the portrait stone of the Han Dynasty, which is used as the origin of dragon dance in later generations.

Tang Dynasty

During the Tang Dynasty, there was no record of the rise of the dragon in the literature. People in Chang'an of the Tang Dynasty regarded February new moon as a special day. They said it was a day of "welcoming wealth". On this day, they should eat "fruits of welcoming wealth", that is, eat some snacks. According to the records in the biography of Li mi in the book of Tang Dynasty, before the middle of Tang Dynasty, there were only three festivals in Chang'an spring at that time - the ninth day of the first month, the dark day of the first month (the 30th day of the first month) and the Shangsi Festival in March. There was no festival in February. Li mi wrote a book, abolished the dark day of the first month, and took the first day of February as the Zhonghe Festival (taking the meaning of Zhongzheng and peace) to show the foundation of affairs. Dezong agreed very much and ordered that the ninth day of the first month, the new moon of February and the last day of March be collectively called the three commandments Festival.

During the period of Tang Dezong, Tang Dezong believed that there was "Shangsi Festival" in March and "Double Ninth Festival" in September. In February, when the weather changed from cold to warm, everything recovered and farming began, there was no Festival. It was really unreasonable, so he asked Prime Minister Li Mi for advice. Li mi felt that what Dezong said was quite reasonable. Therefore, he suggested: abolish the old practice of taking the dark day of the first month (the last day of the first month) as the festival, and change February 1 of the fifth year of Zhenyuan (790) as the "Zhonghe Festival"; On this day, the emperor will give a banquet to the ministers, and give them knives and rulers to show their tailoring: all officials should offer agricultural books to show their responsibility; People should use blue bags to hold grains and seeds of melons and fruits and give them to relatives and friends; Village residents should brew Yichun wine to offer sacrifices to God goumang, pray for a good harvest and so on. Dezong was very happy to hear this, fully adopted Li Mi's opinions, and immediately issued an imperial edict to take February 1, the fifth year of Zhenyuan as the festival of neutralization. Poetry, music and dance are always indispensable for banquets in the Tang Dynasty, and so are Zhonghe Festival banquets.

Wei Chishu's Nanfan news recorded: "Li Bi said that February 1 was the Zhonghe Festival, and people used green bags to hold hundreds of Valley fruits, which were more complementary and ingenious. The same is true in the palace, which is called giving birth to children." It can be seen that giving birth to children is the main feature of Zhonghe Festival.

Song Dynasty

In the Song Dynasty, in some parts of China, there was a "pick vegetables" royal banquet on the second day of February, but it had nothing to do with the "dragon". In the Southern Song Dynasty, people of the Song Dynasty carefully described in the old stories of Wulin that there was a royal banquet of "picking vegetables" in the heavenly palace on the second day of February. The "February 2" activities in these places recorded in the documents of the Tang and Song dynasties were not associated with the "dragon rise".

Yuan period

In the Yuan Dynasty, in the literature, February 2 of the lunar calendar was clearly regarded as "the rise of the dragon". When describing the customs of Dadu City, Xiejin Zhi mentioned that "February 2 is the rise of the dragon". On this day, people in northern areas are popular to eat noodles, known as "longxumian"; And pancakes, called "dragon scales"; If you make dumplings, it is called "dragon teeth". In short, the food we eat should be named after the dragon's body.

Ming Dynasty

After the Ming Dynasty, "February 2" also recorded many customs about the rise of the dragon, such as throwing ash to attract the dragon, supporting the dragon, fumigating insects to avoid scorpions, shaving faucets, avoiding acupuncture longan and other festival customs, so it is called the rise of the dragon day. Yuan Fei wrote the book "Sui Hua Ji Li Pu": "on February 2, during the outing Festival, people in Renjun visited and scattered around the suburbs. Wang Hao's "guangqunfangpu tianshipu" quoted "Hanmo Ji": "Luoyang customs take February 2 as the flower Dynasty Festival, scholars and common people play, and it is also the vegetable selection Festival."

In the Ming Dynasty, the activities of "fumigating insects" and "fried beans" were added on February 2. Ming people's "a brief view of the imperial capital" said: "on February 2, the Dragon looked up... Smoked bed Kang, smoked insects, in order to lead the dragon and insects out."

Qing Dynasty

According to the records of Daxing county annals during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, "on February 2, each family is made of meat and vegetable cakes, which are cooked in oil and eaten. It is called fumigating insects." According to the records of Wuding Prefecture by Xianfeng of the Qing Dynasty, "... February 2 is the spring Dragon Festival, and the kitchen ash is taken to enclose the house like a dragon and snake, which is called yinqian dragon and zhaofuxiang. The Yanjing Yearbook at the end of the Qing Dynasty said:" February 2... Today people call the dragon head up. Those who eat bread are called dragon scale cakes, and those who eat noodles are called Dragon Beard noodles. If you stop sewing in the boudoir, you may hurt the dragon's eyes. " At this time, not only eat cakes and noodles, but also women can't do needlework for fear of hurting the dragon's eyes.

moral

Dragon originated from the worship of stars and constellations in ancient times. It is an image composed of six star officials of horn, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin and Wei in China's traditional twenty-eight celestial system. "See the dragon in the field" describes the celestial phenomena that rose again from the eastern horizon after the dragon and stars disappeared. "Elephant" said: "see the dragon in the field, deship also.". The "dragon" in the Ci of the book of changes qiangua is essentially an analysis of the operation of the dark dragon and the stars at four o'clock a year. "On the ninth day of the ninth day, do not use hidden dragons"; The winter Dragon Star is invisible under the northern horizon, so it is useless. "92, see the dragon in the field"; In mid spring, the Dragon Star rises from the eastern horizon, stands out, and the Dragon virtue is prominent. "In the ninth three year plan, a gentleman works hard all day and is alert as if he were fierce at night, without blame"; In spring, the upper part is not in the sky, and the lower part is not in the field, so it is "dry". "Nine abysses, four leaps"; Mencius is at the turn of spring and summer. All of the seven sleepers of the green dragon get rid of the shackles of the earth and rise into the night sky. "In the ninth five year plan, the dragon is flying in the sky"; The Dragon Star in midsummer leaps over the due south midheaven, so it is called "flying dragon". The ninth five year plan is the most auspicious one among the divinatory symbols, which means that things are in their heyday. "On the ninth day of the ninth year, the hyperactive dragon has regrets"; At the turn of summer and autumn, Canglong Qisu began to turn around from the highest point and decline to the west, so it is called "KANGLONG". "With nine, there is no head"; In autumn, several stars in front of the dark dragon stars retreat due west by North and sneak into the ground. It is auspicious to see a group of dragons without a head, and heaven's virtue cannot be the first. The law of events and phenomena of the operation of Canglong astrology is incisively and vividly expressed in the book of changes. The mid spring Dragon Star appears on the earth's surface. It is an auspicious omen in the divinatory symbols. It is an image of hair. In farming culture, it indicates that Yang comes out from the ground, Yang grows, rain increases, and all things are full of vitality. In people's belief, "dragon" is an auspicious object. It is the master of weathering and rain. Since ancient times, people have also regarded the day when the Dragon Star appears on the earth in the middle of spring as an auspicious day to pray for good weather, exorcise evil spirits and disasters, and accept auspicious transportation. The Dragon God dispels evil spirits and is immune to all poisons; The Dragon God blesses, people and animals are safe; The Dragon God is vigorous; The Dragon God goes through the clouds, and the weather is good.

Natural phenology

In traditional Chinese culture, orientation is associated with the time of the main branches of the star calendar and the eight trigrams. When the bucket handle points to the East and the divination is in the earthquake position, it is the moon in the middle of spring. When everything comes out, the changes of heaven and earth can be realized. Therefore, the legend of Yi Shuogua said: "the emperor was surprised by the earthquake, Qi was close to Xun, meeting was close to leaving, causing service was close to Kun, speaking was close to exchange, fighting was dry, working was hard, and becoming a word was close to Gen." According to the theory of the book of changes, the Dou refers to the East, the divinatory symbols are earthquakes, the heavenly stems are a and B, the earthly branches are Mao, and the five elements are wood, which is in the middle of spring. At that time, all things come out and are full of vitality. The dipper refers to the south, and the divinatory symbol is Li. The sky is dry and bingding, and the earth branch is noon. The five elements belong to fire, which is in the midsummer month. At that time, all things grow and their potential is extremely prosperous. The Dou refers to the west, the hexagram is the exchange, the heavenly stem is Geng Xin, the earthly branch is you, and the five elements belong to gold, which is in the mid autumn moon. At that time, everything has a good harvest and the weather is terrible. The dipper refers to the north, the divinatory symbol is the ridge, the heavenly stem, Ren and GUI, and the earthly branch says Zi. The five elements belong to water, which is in the mid winter month. At that time, all things are closed and do not meet.

In terms of solar terms, the second day of the second lunar month is between "rain", "waking insects" and "spring equinox". Many places in southern China have begun to enter the rainy season. After the beginning of spring and rain, it is the third solar term in spring and the beginning of the calendar month of Ganzhi. Mao, Mao also, all things come out of the ground. The elephant that grows represents the luxuriant growth of vitality. For example, the law book says, "Mao is the luxuriant growth of words. Everything is luxuriant "Mao" means that everything comes out of the ground, that is, plants and trees come out of the ground. Mao represents vitality and vitality. Therefore, February is also the month of energy burst, and the beginning of vitality indicates that the agricultural activities of the year are about to begin. In mid spring, the Dragon rises, and everything recovers like rain and oil; the horn is bright every year, and every year has a good harvest 。 Twelve months a year, one month corresponds to one hexagram, and the Mao month (including the two solar terms of waking insects and the spring equinox) corresponds to the big strong hexagram of Lei Tian. The divinatory symbol of Da Zhuang divination is that thunder begins to strike in the sky. The thunder rings in the sky, which is very vivid. Waking up is the first thunder in spring. The so-called "spring thunder startles hundreds of insects". In the season of waking up, the spring thunder begins to sound. The hibernating insects dormant underground are awakened by the thunder and break through the earth one after another. Da Zhuang hexagram is the news hexagram of Mao month (February). "Mao" has the meaning of prosperity. The five elements of Mao belong to wood, and the wood owner grows and grows. Therefore, the stinging solar terms corresponding to the Da Zhuang hexagram means that all things begin to flourish and full of vitality, and a beautiful scene of warm flowers in spring will appear on the earth.

Modern meteorological science shows that the reason for the occasional thunder before and after the "sting" is that the increasing humidity of the earth promotes the rise of near ground heat or the strong force of humid and hot air going north and frequent activities. Judging from the natural phenological process in various parts of China, due to the large span between the north and the south, the time when spring thunder begins to sound is different sooner or later. On a multi-year average, thunder can be heard in southern Yunnan around the end of January, while the first thunder day in Beijing is in late April. The saying of "waking insects and starting thunder" is only consistent with the climate law along the south of the Yangtze River Basin. After the sting, it is a good time for all things to grow. All crops can be planted. As the solar term with the fastest temperature rise throughout the year, except that the northeast and northwest regions are still covered with silver makeup in winter, the average temperature in most parts of China has risen to more than 0 ℃, the daily average temperature in North China is 3-6 ℃, the daily average temperature along the Yangtze River and Jiangnan is more than 8 ℃, while the southwest and South China have reached more than 10-15 ℃, which has long been a harmonious spring, Sunshine hours have also increased significantly.

Introduction to astronomy

According to the track of the five stars of the sun and moon, ancient Chinese astronomers divided the sky into 28 days, that is, the "ecliptic belt", so as to express the operation and position of the five stars of the sun and moon. 28 days of sleep can be divided into four regions (four elephants or four gods), Oriental Canglong (including horn, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, Ji seven nights); Western White Tiger (including Kui, Lou, stomach, Pleiades, Bi, mouth and ginseng); Southern rosefinch (including well, ghost, willow, star, Zhang, Yi and Yun Qisu); Northern basaltic (including Dou, Niu, Nu, Xu, Wei, Shi and BI). Among them, "Jiaosu" is Longjiao. At the beginning of the Mao month in the middle of spring, the Dragon horn star rises on the eastern horizon, so it is called dragon rise. It refers to the spatial change of the seven constellations of the Oriental Canglong.

The origin of the rise of the dragon is related to the ancient celestial phenomena. In ancient Chinese astronomy, the zodiac was defined as 28 constellations, known as "28 constellations". The ancients also divided the 28 stars into four palaces according to the southeast and northwest, with seven in each palace. According to their images, the four palaces were described as "four kinds of divine beasts: green dragon, white tiger, rosefinch and Xuanwu". The "dragon" mentioned by the Dragon refers to the seven Oriental green dragons with twenty-eight in the sky. There are two stars on the "spica" on the head of the Black Dragon: spica one and Spica two, representing the two horns on the head of the black dragon. The four stars after the "Jiaosu" are "Kangsu", which is the throat of the dragon. Under the throat, four stars are arranged into a dustpan in the shape of "Disu", representing the claws of the dragon. The fangsu, Xinsu, Weisu and Jisu behind the dragon's claws represent the heart and tail of the Dragon respectively.

Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, Ji

Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, Ji

On the evening of mid spring every year, the grey Dragon Star begins to appear from the East. The horn, representing the Dragon horn, begins to appear on the eastern horizon. About an hour later, Kang Su, the throat of the dragon, rises above the horizon. Near midnight, di Su, the dragon claw, also appears. This is the process of "Dragon Rising". After that, the daily "dragon head up" date was about a little earlier. After more than a month, the whole "dragon head" was "lifted". When the earth rotates in the same direction as the sun, the light of the sun will drown the starlight, and people will not see the dragon in the sky; After a period of time, the position of the earth has shifted, and the green dragon seven nights will reappear again. Over and over again, the ancients found this Law and used it to judge the season. Due to the "precession", the actual time of "dragon head up" may be postponed.

"February 2, the rise of the dragon" symbolizes vitality and the recovery of all things. Unlike ancient Western astronomy, China divided stars into seven star regions of "three walls" and "four elephants". The so-called "wall" means "wall". "Sanyuan" is "ziweiyuan", which symbolizes the imperial palace; "Taiweiyuan" symbolizes the administrative organization; "Tianshiyuan" symbolizes the prosperous market. The three walls are triangular around the Polaris. "Four elephants" are distributed around the "three walls": Eastern Canglong, western white tiger, southern rosefinch and Northern basaltic. In other words, the stars in the East are like a dragon, the stars in the West are like a tiger, the stars in the south are like a big bird, and the stars in the north are like turtles and snakes. As the earth revolves around the sun, the stars in the sky change with the seasons. Every evening at the turn of winter and spring, the green dragon appears; At the turn of spring and summer, Xuanwu rises; At the turn of summer and autumn, white tigers appear; At the turn of autumn and winter, rosefinch rises.

Written description

The preface to the spring and autumn calendar says: "heaven and earth are opened up, and all things are muddy and ignorant; Yin and yang are based on, and the celestial body begins in the field of the north pole... The sun and moon rise in five latitudes and lead the ox; 45000 years, the sun and moon rotate in five latitudes and one rotation; how does the emperor emerge... Determine the image of the sky, follow the instrument of the earth, and make branches to determine the degree of the sun and moon." As early as in ancient times, the ancients had been able to "observe and give time", determine the images of the sky and the instruments of the earth, and determine the celestial phenomena of stars, stems and branches and 24 solar terms.

In the dictionary Erya, it is said that the number of horn hyperactivity is the length of the column. Therefore, the horn can be seen in the East. Things change in spring, birds and animals have horns, and plants crack. It means that in the spring when everything recovers, the horn of the Oriental black dragon will rise from the east every evening.

The dragon is a sacred thing in the sea, which mainly dominates the rain. For example, it is said in the book of mountains and seas that the dragon should rise. The folk "dragon rise" Festival should be traced back to ancient times. According to the mythological work "the book of mountains and seas", Yinglong lives in the south, "so it rains in the South", while the candle dragon "does not eat or sleep, and the wind and rain are paid homage", that is, it often attracts wind and rain. Because the imaginary dragon can fly through the clouds, I believe that the dragon can bring good luck to people. It is said that the dragon can carry clouds and rain, eliminate disasters and bring blessings, symbolizing auspiciousness.

"Shuowen Jiezi" explains the word "dragon": "dragon is the length of scale insects. It can be quiet, bright, thin, huge, short and long. It ascends the sky at the spring equinox and dive into the abyss at the autumn equinox."

"A brief introduction to the scenery of the imperial capital volume II spring field": "on February 2, it is said that the dragon looks up, fry the remaining cakes for new year's Day sacrifice, and smoke the bed Kang. It is called to smoke the insects, and it is called to lead the Dragon. It can't rush and insects out."

"Yanjing Sui Shi Ji": "February 2, the ancient Zhonghe Festival. Today, people call for the dragon to look up. It is the solar eclipse cake, which is called the dragon scale cake, and the noodles eater, which is called the dragon beard noodles. If you stop sewing in the boudoir, you may hurt the dragon's eyes."

"Records of Datong government": "on February 2, the Tuan community of each village quickly donated money to give their lives, which is called 'supporting the faucet'. Lifting a pot to draw water from a well and injecting it is called 'leading the faucet'."

Bai Juyi, a famous poet of the Tang Dynasty, said: "on February 2, it will rain and clear, and grass sprouts and vegetables will be born for a while; light clothes, fine horses, young spring, and a line of cross Jin head."

overview

Chinese people believe that the dragon is a mascot and the master of weathered rain. "The rise of the dragon" means that Yang is growing and everything is full of vitality. Therefore, since ancient times, people have held dragon worship, praying for rain and releasing animals in the Dragon raising season, in order to have a good harvest in the year, and regard the Dragon raising season as a day for auspicious transportation. In China, there is a saying that "on February 2, worship the village community; the dragon looks up and prays for a good harvest; on August 2, worship the village hall; the Dragon ends and sends the Dragon back". In terms of solar terms, the beginning of February of the lunar calendar is between "rain", "waking insects" and "spring equinox". Many places in southern China have begun to enter the rainy season. As the saying goes, "if the Dragon doesn't look up, it won't rain.". In the ancient deity pedigree, the dragon is a deity in the sea, which is in charge of rainfall. The amount of rainfall is directly related to the abundance and apology of crops in a year. Therefore, in order to obtain the Dragon God's cloud and rain distribution, when the dragon looks up, it is necessary to make offerings in front of the Dragon God Temple, hold a grand worship ceremony, and sing a big play to entertain the God at the same time; Worship the dragon, pray for rain and release the animals in order to have a good harvest in a year; There are also "dragon boat" activities in some places during the dragon head Festival. The second day of February is not only the dragon's head Festival, but also the "land birthday". In the southern coastal areas, the second day of February mainly holds social sacrifices to worship the land God. There are some folk customs in China, such as shaving faucets, offering sacrifices, respecting Wenchang God, eating noodles, fried oil cakes, popcorn, eating pig heads and so on. The custom of "shaving the dragon's head" may originate from the ancient people's worship of the dragon totem, such as the ancient people's custom of cutting hair and tattooing to look like a dragon. Many people call it "February", which is a good day for shaving. The custom of respecting the Dragon when the dragon looks up embodies China's natural view of "the unity of heaven and man". When the weather gets warmer and the rain begins to increase, people hope to comply with this process through dragon worship and blessing, so as to live in harmony with nature.

In ancient times, some areas in northern China had the customs of hoarding grain, introducing Tianlong, knocking on the beam of the house, having a haircut, frying stewed seeds, eating pig head meat, eating noodles, eating dumplings, eating sugar beans, eating pancakes and avoiding needles and threads on February 2. For Naji, on the second day of February, people in northern China take the names related to "dragon". Noodles are not called "noodles", but "longxumian"; Dumplings are called "dragon ears" and "dragon horns"; Rice is called "dragon"; Pancakes are baked into a dragon scale shape, which is called "dragon scale cake"; Noodles and wonton are boiled together, which is called "longnazhu"; Eating pig head is called "food faucet"; Eating scallion cake is called "tearing Dragon Skin". Everything takes the symbols and moral meanings related to the dragon.

There are many taboos among the people to avoid "the rise of the dragon". In these days, people avoid moving needles and threads at home for fear of hurting the longan and causing trouble; Avoid carrying water, think that the dragon will come out to carry water that night, and prohibit carrying water by the river or well, so as not to disturb the action of the dragon and lead to a year of drought; Avoid building houses and tamping to prevent hurting the "faucet"; Moreover, it is taboo to grind noodles. It is unlucky to think that grinding noodles will squeeze the tap. As the saying goes, "grinding is a tiger and grinding is a dragon". People with a stone mill should fan the mill on this day to facilitate "the Dragon rises to heaven". In addition to the above customs, people often hold a variety of activities, such as dragon dance, dragon tail wearing, pen opening and so on.

As the saying goes, "February two dragons rise, August two dragons end." As a festival of ancient folk custom, February Erlong rise has been basically diluted from the modern life of Chinese people. However, some cultural connotations of "February two dragon rise", such as the ancient people's worship of the dragon and the materialistic interpretation of "dragon rise" in ancient astronomy, are still of research value.

Sacrifice to social gods

February 2 is not only the dragon head up Festival, but also the birthday of the land lord. "Land birthday" is also known as "social day". Social day is divided into spring social day and autumn social day. In ancient times, spring social day is the fifth e day after the beginning of spring, and autumn social day is the fifth e day after the beginning of autumn (E, five elements belong to soil). The ancients believed that all things were born in the earth, and the earth God was one of the widely respected gods. People believe that the land lord manages the growth of grain and local peace. People in many places worship the land God on social days. In southern China, in order to "warm the life of the land father-in-law", some places have the custom of holding "land meetings": families raise money to celebrate the birthday of the land God, burn incense and sacrifice in the earth temple, beat gongs and drums and set off firecrackers.

In ancient times, the land God and the place where the land God was worshipped were called "society". According to folk customs, farmers should establish a society to worship and pray for or reward the land God every sowing or harvest season. Land God plays an important role in people's daily life. It is not only large in family, but also widely distributed. There are household land gods in the home, village land gods in the village, and urban land gods in the city. Some worship the land at home, at the door, and in the community temple in the village. In short, the duty of the land God is to bless the character Kangtai in one side of the land, keep the population clean and go in and out safely.

Eat dragon food

On February 2, people in the north also pay attention to their diet. Most people in the North eat in the name of dragons. Eating spring cakes is called "eating dragon scales", eating noodles is called "eating dragon whiskers", eating wonton is called "eating longan", eating dumplings is called "eating dragon ears", cooking noodles and wonton together is called "dragon pearl", and eating scallion cakes is called "tearing Dragon Skin". Some places also have the custom of eating "longan", "dragon beard", "dragon tongue", "dragon ear", "Dragon Skin", "dragon son", "dragon egg", spring cakes and pig head meat. Everything takes the symbols and moral meanings related to the dragon. All these have placed people's strong desire to pray for the blessing of the dragon.

In the northern region, farmers began to prepare the raw materials for fried sugar beans on February 2. On the morning of February 2, every family fried peanuts and soybeans with sugar. Some places called sugar beans, some places called scorpion beans, and some popcorn. In the past, they were made and eaten by themselves, but now they are different. Generally, they are not made by themselves. Supermarkets in the city and rural markets are filled with all kinds of sugar beans around February 2, about a dozen or more. Eat and buy, sweet and delicious. On February 2, a variety of sugar beans should be placed on the farmers' table to celebrate the festival.

Cailong Qi

At Mao hour in the morning (between 5:00 and 7:00), at Mao hour on the first Mao day of Mao month, go out and face the East and breathe deeply. This is a blessing.

Shaving tap

It refers to the haircut on the second day of February and children's haircut. It is called shaving "happy head". By taking advantage of the auspicious time when the dragon looks up, it can bless the healthy growth of children and stand out when they grow up; Adults have a haircut, leave the old and welcome the new, hoping to bring good luck and a smooth new year.

Dragon Boat

In ancient times, the dragon head raising festival was a day to offer sacrifices to the Dragon God. On this day every year, people would go to the dragon temple or the Bank of the water to burn incense to offer sacrifices to the Dragon God, pray for the Dragon God to revive the clouds and melt the rain, and bless the bumper harvest of grain in a year. When the dragon looks up, there will be "dragon boat" activities in some parts of China. Please let the dragon out of the water and pray for everything to go smoothly.

Farm cattle

"Dragon head up" is also a farming festival in rural areas. The farmer's proverb says, "in February, the two dragons raise their heads, and small households make cattle.". Spring rain is as expensive as oil during farming. If spring rains are abundant, it indicates a bumper harvest in a year.

Start writing

It is said that the third day of the second month of the lunar calendar is the birthday of Wenchang (the God who dominates fame). In the old days, children were allowed to write and take the auspicious omen of the rise of the dragon. It was wise to dress and point vermilion for children, implying that children have a clear eye and a clear heart. I wish children to be literate when they grow up. The opening ceremony is the first great ceremony in life. It is a form of enlightenment education for children to begin literacy and ritual learning in Chinese tradition.

Yintian Dragon

When the spring Dragon Festival comes, in some parts of China, families carry lanterns to the well or river to carry water on this morning. When they return home, they light lights, burn incense and offer sacrifices. In the old days, people called this ceremony "Yintian dragon". There are many activities of luring dragons and lurking insects, the most characteristic of which is dusting. The ash spreading is very particular. The ash is mostly plant ash. People scatter plant ash in a dragon at their own door to the river, and then scatter rice bran in a dragon to lead them home, which means to send away the lazy (green) dragon and attract the money (yellow) dragon, so as to bless the prosperity of people and money; From outside the street front door to the kitchen stove, and around the water tank, it is called "yinqian dragon"; Sprinkle plant ash on the door to block the door and prevent disaster; Plant ashes are scattered at the foot of the wall in the shape of dragons and snakes to attract good fortune and avoid pests. The practice of spreading ash around the village wall is also popular in Fuxian County, Shaanxi Province, which is also a manifestation of Fulong insect repellent. Later, the practice of using lime to replace vegetation and ash to reduce insects also appeared.

① Shandong area draws a dragon on the ground with stove smoke. First, ask the dragon to come back, make clouds and rain, and pray for a good harvest; Second, the dragon is the God of all insects. When the Dragon comes, the insects hide, which is beneficial to human health and crop growth.

② To attract Qianlong in Northwest Shanxi, choose a big tree or a big stone, sprinkle a circle with gray line, tie a copper coin with red line, put it in the circle, lead it home and cover it with a container.

③ In other areas, early in the morning, people carry water from the well home and pour it into the water tank. Qian Long will be the first one to pick home. This year's financial luck will be very good, so there is often a rush to pick up water in the early morning.

Dragon lantern

There is also the custom of "putting dragon lanterns" in the Yellow River Delta and some areas along the river. Many people use reeds or sorghum stalks to make small boats, insert candles or put small oil bowls dug with turnips, and put them in the river or bay to light the way for the dragon in the evening. They take this entertainment and convey a kind of good wishes at the same time.

Tap the tap

In some areas of Northeast China, on the morning of February 2, they hit the beam with a long pole, which is called "knocking on the faucet". Wake up the dragon and protect one's peace. Adults and children also read: "on February 2, the dragon looks up, big Cang is full and small Cang is flowing. "In some places, the stove ashes are scattered in large circles in the yard, and the cereals are placed in the middle, which is called" hoarding "or" filling the warehouse ". I wish that there will be a bumper harvest in that year and the warehouse will be full. Hitting the beam is to hit the beam with a wooden stick or bamboo pole to scare away poisonous insects such as snakes and scorpions without harm. In some places, it is popular to hit the edge of the Kang for the same purpose as hitting the beam.

Grain hoarding

The folk proverb "February 2, the Dragon rises; big warehouse is full, small warehouse flows" is widely spread in northern China. On the early morning of the second day of the second lunar month, villagers in many areas in the north get up early. Housewives take out a basket of firewood from under their stoves to burn the remaining plant ash, take a small iron shovel to shovel some plant ash, and people walk by hand and draw circles on the ground. The circle around the warehouse is large and small, less than three circles, more than five circles, single but not double. After enclosing the warehouse, put the food in the middle of the warehouse piously, and sprinkle the meaning on the periphery of the warehouse, symbolizing the bumper harvest of that year.

Smoked insect

In ancient times, creatures in nature were divided into five categories: caterpillars, feather insects, scale insects and humans. Caterpillars refer to hairy mammals, feather insects refer to birds, scale insects refer to crustaceans, and scale insects refer to scaled fish and winged insects. The dragon is the chief of scale insects. When the Dragon comes out, hundreds of insects lie hidden. On the second day of February, just before and after the sting, hundreds of insects sprout, and diseases are easy to occur. Insects are also the natural enemies of crops. Therefore, people attract dragons and insects, hoping to use Longwei town to subdue hundreds of insects, so as to protect human and livestock safety and bumper crops. In February of the lunar calendar, the weather is getting warmer and all kinds of insects begin to move. Some insects are harmful to people's health. Therefore, on February 2, people spread pancakes and burn incense in the hope that the smoke can drive away the poisonous insects.

other

There is also a saying about eating pig head meat on the second day of February. Since ancient times, pigs, cattle and sheep have always been used to worship gods. Later, it was simplified to the head of the three animals, and the pig head is one of them. Today, there is a famous dish called "pork face". After 12 steps, such as material selection, cleaning, spray baking, bubble washing and sauce making, it can be brought to the table after more than ten hours of cooking. There are three kinds of "Grilled pig face". One is to eat it with original flavor; Second, dip in sauce; The third is to eat pancakes. Each eating method has a different taste.

Shandong

Scattering ash to attract the dragon and fighting ash hoarding

In some rural areas of Shandong Province, there are customs of "throwing ashes to attract dragons" and "beating ashes to hoard" on this day. On this day, when it was still dawn, every household began to sprinkle ash. They filled the plant ash with dustpan and sprinkled it in a dense circle along the root of the outer wall of their house. Because this gray line was thin and long and looked like the legendary dragon, this action was also called "scattering ash to lead the dragon", which meant to invite the Dragon symbolizing auspiciousness to their home. In addition, every household will form a circle in front of the door and yard with vegetation ash, with grains and coins in the middle. It represents the grain village and Qiantun village. Some hoards are painted with ladders to show the height of the hoard. While using a gray circle, he said: "February 2, dustpan, big hoarding and small hoarding", hoping to have a good harvest of food and abundant financial resources in the coming year.

In fact, in addition to symbolic significance, dusting is also useful in practice. In rural areas, the old style farmhouses are civil buildings, and the walls of the houses are built by earth. In cold winter, the cracks between the walls and Kang naturally become places where poisonous insects such as scorpions, scorpions and "grass shoe soles" lie dormant. After the sting, these poisonous insects wait for the opportunity to go out and endanger people. On February 2, villagers sprinkled some plant ash under the Kang wall and the root of the house wall, which also smoked insects and ward off evil spirits. Some places in Linyi held land fairs on this day. Farmers raised money to celebrate the Lord's birthday and went to the earth temple to burn incense, beat gongs and drums and set off firecrackers in order to bless the LORD with a good harvest.

Shaving tap

On the second day of February, the biggest folk custom is "shaving the faucet". Whether it is the elderly or children, they can cut their hair and trim their looks to make themselves look new, which indicates that they can get good luck for a year. From the early morning, some barber shops are crowded, customers welcome the door, and barbers are busy. Many people choose to have their hair cut on this day because there is a folk custom that shaving in the first month is unlucky, so many people generally have their hair cut before the new year, and then wait until February 2 to "cut the hair and get rid of the old".

Eat beans, spread pancakes and dance dragon lanterns

February 2 is a traditional folk custom in Shandong. On this day, fried soybeans and Osmunda are eaten, and there is also the custom of sharing pancakes. Pray for a bumper harvest this year. Many places also have activities such as dragon lantern dance, which is to pray and send blessings.

Beijing

Eat spring cakes

Since February 2 is the time when the "dragon looks up", many foods are involved with the dragon. Beijing folk food is a kind of pancake baked very thin, also known as pancake. Noodles and dumplings are also popular in northern China. Every spring day, Beijingers eat spring cakes, called "biting spring". On the second day of the second lunar month, Beijingers also eat spring cakes, called "eating dragon scales". Spring cakes are bigger and more resilient than pancakes made of roast duck (known as "bone strength" in Beijing) because they have to roll a lot of vegetables. In the past, when eating spring cakes, we paid attention to the box shop, which was called "Su pan" (also known as box dish). When eating spring cakes, the whole family sat around and put the baked spring cakes in the steamer. Take them with you as you eat, so as to eat hot. If you eat spring cakes on February 2, Beijingers also pay attention to taking married girls home to eat spring cakes.

Eat "donkey roll"

According to the custom of old Beijing, people like to buy "donkey roll" on February 2 of the lunar calendar. The donkey roll with soybean flour wrapped in bean paste has a round shape and has the auspicious meaning of "rolling financial resources".

Take care of the beam and expel insects

There is a folk saying in Beijing that "on February 2, there is no place for scorpions and centipedes to hide when shining on the beam of the house". On this day, people should drive away pests, light candles and shine on the beam of the house and the wall to drive away scorpions and centipedes. These insects fall down and are destroyed as soon as they see the light. The custom of carrying out insect repellent activities on the day when the dragon looks up is mainly popular in northern China. On February 2, the activities of various insects including poisonous insects began to be frequent. In order to avoid the harm of poisonous insects, people held some activities with the meaning of expelling insects. For example, beat the beam head, wall, door, bed and Kang with a stick, broom or shoes to avoid snakes, scorpions, scorpions, mice and other insects. Usually you have to read and sing songs, such as "on February 2, the dragon looks up, and the scorpion and centipede don't show up." (Tianjin). "

Northwest Shanxi

In the northwest of Shanxi Province, "Si Qian Long" is popular. Before the sun comes out in the morning, every family carries a teapot and goes to the river or well to draw water. According to the calculation of several dragons controlling water this year, put a few copper coins or coins in the teapot. After collecting water, he spilled a trace of water as he went home, poured all the remaining water and money into the water tank, and Qian Long led him home, which means making a fortune every year. When "leading Qian Long", it is particularly forbidden to speak, so as not to startle Qian Long away.

In some places in Northwest Shanxi, to attract Qianlong, choose a big tree or a big stone and sprinkle it with a gray line. Then tie a copper coin with a red wire. First put the copper coin in the gray coil, pull it home with a hand and cover it with a container.

Another custom is drug drive. As the saying goes, "when a sting is awakened, a hundred insects su." "Yangcheng County Chronicle" contains: "the first shock of a hundred stingers, hanging the Heavenly Master's amulet to ward off insect poison."

Shaanxi

On this day in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, grandma (uncle's family) usually sends popcorn and pastry buns to Niece (daughter). Mother fried Qizi beans the day before the meeting and prepared them for the family. Qizi beans are made of oil, water and flour, then cut into small cubes and fried in oil. In some places, peanuts and whole beans are fried together.

Hebei

On February 2, in Hebei, there is a custom of picking up dragon eggs early in the countryside. Before dawn, the male owner uses a bucket to draw water from the well in the village. It is said that there will be dragon eggs in the well on February 2. Pick them home for good weather and good luck.

Handan: eat "longxumian"; "Dragon ear" and "dragon horn" (dumplings); "Dragon" (rice); "Dragon takes pearl" (chaotic surface); "Food faucet" (pig head). On the second day of the second lunar month, there is a custom for girls to celebrate Qiqiao festival in the mountain village near Cizhou. On this day, girls are free to join hands, put on good clothes, bring millet, flour, oil, salt, pots, bowls, spoons and other tools, and have a picnic together. This is the custom of "girls eat Qiqiao rice on February 2" handed down in ancient Cizhou.

Shijiazhuang: fried dough twist, pork PigHead and dumpling. There is the kind of dough to eat. People in Shijiazhuang call it salty food, which is mixed with the fragrance of eggs and flour; There are also people who order vegetable cakes, that is, dig out the radish hidden in the cellar all winter, cut it into silk and noodles, and put it together. The baked cake is stained with garlic paste and vinegar. Many people are not used to eating it, but the customs have been inherited for so many years, and can still be passed on.

Chengde: early rise pancakes, early rise pancakes, afternoon dumplings, fried meat slices, fried fish: fried fish and fried meat on February 2, which is called "smoked insects". Because February 2 is just before and after the sting, a hundred insects move foolishly and the epidemic is easy to occur. People hope to wake up the legendary Dragon Town poisonous insects and eat pig head meat with this fragrance.

Cangzhou: to eat longnazhu is to boil noodles and dumplings together and eat them after cooking. Eating dumplings means dragon ears or noodles means dragon whiskers. Eat dragon scale cake.

coastal

Worship the land lord

"February 2" in the South mainly focuses on the custom of sacrificing the society (land God), and the custom of sacrificing the dragon is mainly on the midsummer Dragon Boat Festival when the Dragon rises to heaven. In Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and other regions, there are both the custom of dragon head raising Festival and the custom of sacrificing the society. Because "the earth contains all things" and "gathering wealth on the earth", the land God is generally worshipped in the south of China, and the land God is also known as "society", "Social God" and " "Earth God", "land lord", "blessing God", Hakka people call "land uncle" February 2 "(in ancient times, the spring society is the fifth day after the beginning of spring, and the autumn society is the fifth day after the beginning of autumn). The social day festival is mainly to sacrifice the land and gather social drinks to entertain people by respecting and entertaining the gods. Since ancient times, the social gods have become the sacrificial gods in the sacrificial system. Up to now, the ancient" social gods "have changed a lot, but the custom of sacrificing the land gods has been retained, With the migration of Chinese, they also blossom and bear fruit in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Offering pork

Divide meat offerings, gather people to feast, play music and entertain. As the custom of people's happy gathering Festival, social sacrifice will also be staged on the day of dragon rise. "Guangzhou Chronicles" quoted "Panyu Chronicles" as: "on February 2, the land Association, government offices and streets all called the pear garden to play music and entertain the gods." In the past, the grand occasion of the sacrificial society and the joyful scenes of people gathering for banquets can be seen in these records.

Opening ceremony

"On February 2, the dragon looks up. If the Dragon doesn't look up, I look up." In traditional customs, it is an auspicious omen for the rise of the dragon. Children will hold a "pen opening ceremony" on February 2. In the past, private school students mostly accepted students on this day, which is called "taking the lead". In this way, people hope that every child can read without writing when he grows up.

Dragon Boat

On the day when the Dragon raised its head, there were "dragon boats" in some places in Guangdong. People jumped into the water to "dragon boats" and asked the dragon to come out of the water, clean the dragon boats and try to pick up the dragon boats. People choose this day as the traditional "dragon boat" day to show the people's respect for the dragon boat and pray for everything to go smoothly.

To the Dragon God

In the past, Chaozhou had the custom of "welcoming the green dragon". It took the green snake as the green dragon and carried the parade with floats and teams, which was a legacy of worshiping the Dragon God.

Shear tap

The custom of "cutting faucets" has been circulating on February 2. On this day, adults and children shave their heads, which is called "shaving happy head". Boys, in particular, need to have their hair cut, which is called "cutting the faucet". It is said that cutting hair on this day can bring good luck for a year, and it also means to have good luck when shaving.

Gun meeting

On the birthday of the earth God on February 2, in some parts of Guangdong, local men, women, old and young will pray for good weather and bumper harvests with earthshaking firecrackers. This custom is called "firecracker club".

Dragon food

Due to people's worship of the dragon, people eat food with the word "dragon" to touch the "Dragon Spirit" on the day of dragon rise, so most of the dragon rise flavor food is named "dragon". Noodles are called "longxumian" and cakes are called "dragon scale cakes"... People hope to pray for the Dragon King to bless a good year.

Other regions

Southern Zhejiang: Sixi temple fair on February 2 is located in Sixi Town, Taishun County, southern Zhejiang. It is the famous hometown of corridor bridges and the location of the world's most beautiful corridor bridge "sister bridge". It has beautiful mountains and rivers and fresh air. In baifenqiang village, Sixi Town, there is a temple fair for praying for blessings on February 2 with a history of nearly 300 years. Every year, on the second day of February of the lunar calendar, baifenqiang village holds the temple fair (praying for blessings) on February 2 at the "Chen 14 empress" Temple of the village. This custom rose in the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, commonly known as "blessing" or "blessing wine". From the Qing Dynasty to the "February 2" temple fair of the Republic of China, it developed to its peak. In addition to the local villagers, more visitors came from ten townships and eight miles away, which can be described as unprecedented. The content of temple fair activities is wonderful, among which the biggest local features are "empress stepping on the street", "blessing banquet" and puppet show in southern Zhejiang.

Tangshan Qian'an: the custom of Qian'an area is mountaineering.

Nantong, Jiangsu: people use flour to make longevity peaches and livestock, which are steamed and inserted on bamboo sticks, and then inserted in the field at night. They think it is food for the God of insects and sacrifice to their ancestors. They pray for their ancestors to drive away insect disasters, and hope that the God of insects will not harm crops. The countryside in Weifang, Rizhao, Shandong Province, will paint the granary on the ground with plant ash, sprinkle grain in the granary, and pray that the granary will be full of grain in the new year. And on this day, stir fry sugar beans, (stir fry white sugar, rock sugar and peanuts together) eat sugar beans. On that day, all localities generally add the title of "dragon" to the name of food. Eating dumplings is called eating "dragon ear", eating spring cakes is called eating "dragon scale", eating noodles is called eating "dragon beard", eating rice is called eating "dragon son", eating wonton is called eating "longan", etc. Women can't do needlework on this day, because Canglong wants to look up at the world on this day. Using a needle will stab the dragon's eyes. Before getting up, women read "February 2, the dragon looks up, the Dragon doesn't look up, I look up". After getting up, you have to shine on the beam with lanterns and read "February 2, shine on the beam, scorpions and centipedes have nowhere to hide". In some places, women stop washing clothes for fear of hurting the Dragon skin, and so on. The folk custom in Heze, Shandong Province is to fry salted soybeans on February 2 to make soybeans bloom.

Putian, Fujian Province: Putian people have the custom of "February 2, dragon rise, tooth sacrifice and big dinner". On the second day of the second lunar month, commonly known as "February 2", Puxian called February 2 "head teeth", and attached equal importance to the "tail teeth" on the 16th of the twelfth lunar month. According to the local dialect, "making teeth" is also called "beating teeth sacrifice". The so-called "tooth beating Festival" is annotated in the modern Chinese Dictionary: "it originally meant to eat a meal with meat dishes at the beginning and middle of each month, and later it generally refers to eating a rich meal occasionally." However, in Puxian, there are "rich dishes" during the Lantern Festival in the first month, which is not "making teeth" or "beating teeth sacrifice". It is the first time in a year to "make teeth" on the second day of February, so it is called "head teeth". On the day of "touya", according to the traditional practice, all industries, shops, including heads of households, buy fruit, wine and food, light incense, burn "tribute silver", set off firecrackers, etc. Those in the city put the confession case in front of their own shop, while those in the countryside went to Tiantou and social temples to worship the land God and pray for a good harvest. Then, in order to offer sacrifices to gods and blessings, invite hired friends and craftsmen to dinner. Those who do not receive the invitation will be "fired". If the villagers in Puxian have families that employ carpenters, masons and other craftsmen to do work, the head of the household must hold a banquet on the evening of the second day of February and invite the craftsmen to "do the head teeth".

Fuqing, Fujian: on the second day of February in Nancao village, Jiangyin Town, the Taoxi area of Baoen temple is a spectacular spring outing. People dress up as champion, top runner, tanhualang, civil and military officials, and many people participate in colorful flags, waist drum team, dry boat, clam woman, Shifan, dragon dance and lion dance. In spring and bright days, the earth is green all over. Walking in the suburbs, the air is fresh and sunny. There are more "longevity elements" - anions in the atmosphere. It is not only a natural "drug" to adjust human metabolism, but also an ideal "antidote" to treat mental tension. The villagers greet the new year's peace and harvest with simple feelings and ancient traditional ways, and pray for good weather, bumper crops and prosperity.

Legend 1

It is said that Emperor Yao's father Di Hu (DI Jun) had four princesses: Jiang Yuan (Ji) ā Ng Yu á n, Ji ǎ N d í), Qingdu, Changyi. Originally, Chang Yi had the lowest status, but since she gave birth to her son, everyone looked at her differently. Qingdu has been worried about having no son. Someone told her that it is very effective to ask for children in the God mother temple. As long as you are sincere, there is nothing you can't do. As the witch said, after the dinner of the Lantern Festival, Qingdu went to the temple to place offerings, then respectfully kowtowed three heads, folded his hands and prayed for the God to give him a son. Talk in two. One year there was a severe drought, and the people lived in poverty. There was a red dragon in the sky. Seeing the miserable situation on earth, he felt pity and rained privately. Knowing this, the Jade Emperor pressed the red dragon under a mountain. The people begged for the red dragon. The Jade Emperor said, "unless the golden beans bloom." On February 2, an old mother came from nowhere and shouted, "sell golden beans!" People wonder. When they buy it home, it's some soybeans. These soybeans were fried in a pot and bloomed with crackling flowers. The Jade Emperor learned that he had to release the red dragon and demote it to the earth. After Qingdu asked for a son from the God mother temple, he looked forward to good news every day. One night, she dreamed of a red dragon following her. From then on, she became pregnant. On February 2 of the next year, there was lightning and thunder, and then the sun was shining. Wang Guangyao was born in the yard. Later, his name was Wang Guangyao. Fang Xun is smart and cute. He has been popular since childhood. When he grew up to be an emperor, he ploughed with the people every February 2. The custom of emperor farming was passed down in this way. During the Chinese new year, the woodblock New Year pictures sold in the collection, "the emperor's grandfather made a Taurus", come from this. Everyone had different opinions about the birth of King Yao. Later generations made up a paragraph: Golden beans blossomed and red dragon looked up. On the second day of February, King Yao was happy to be born.

Legend II

It is said that the dragon head up festival originated in the Fuxi era. Fuxi "pays attention to farming and mulberry and farming". Every year, on the second day of February of the lunar calendar, "the emperor's mother delivers rice and the emperor drives and cultivates by himself", taking care of one third of an mu of land. Later, the Yellow Emperor, Tang Yao, Yu Shun and Xia Yu followed the example of their predecessors. In the period of King Wu of Zhou Dynasty, this traditional practice was not only followed, but also implemented as an important national policy. Every year on the second day of the second lunar month, a major ceremony is held to allow all civil and military officials to personally cultivate one third of an mu of land. It is said that this is the origin of the dragon head up Festival.

Legend III

There is still such a story among the people in northern China. When Wu Zetian became emperor, she annoyed the Jade Emperor and told the Dragon King of the four seas not to rain on the earth for three years. Soon, the Dragon King, who was in charge of the Tianhe River, heard the cries of folk people, saw the tragic scene of starving people, worried that the way of life in the world would be cut off, so he disobeyed the will of the Jade Emperor and rained on the world. The Jade Emperor learned that he beat the Dragon King down to earth and suffered at the foot of a big mountain. On the mountain, he erected a monument: "the Dragon King violates the rules of heaven when he rains, and should suffer the sins of the world for thousands of years; if you want to climb Lingxiao Pavilion again, unless the golden beans bloom." In order to save the Dragon King, people look for flowering golden beans everywhere. On the second day of the second lunar month of the next year, when people were turning and drying corn seeds, they thought that the corn was like golden beans. When it was fried, it bloomed, isn't it golden beans? So every family exploded popcorn and set up a case to burn incense in the yard for the "golden beans" that had bloomed. (the legend is wrong. Wu Zetian was a figure in the Tang Dynasty. Corn was introduced into China only in the Ming Dynasty. Where did corn seeds come from then?) When the Dragon King looked up and knew that the people had saved him, he shouted to the Jade Emperor, "the golden beans are blooming. Let me out!" As soon as the Jade Emperor saw that the golden bean blossoms in every family's yard on earth were open, he had to order the Dragon King to return to heaven and continue to raise clouds and rain on earth. Since then, people have formed a habit of eating popcorn on the second day of February.