Why is the "Dragon Heads-Raising Day" on February 2nd? This originates from the beautiful aspirations of the common people. The ancients believed that the dragon controlled the rainfall, which in turn determined the harvest of agriculture. The agricultural harvest determined the standard of living of the people, making the dragon the most important totem in agricultural society. Many Chinese folk activities are related to the dragon. On the second day of the second lunar month, spring returns to the earth and all things revive, which is the perfect time for spring plowing and planting, requiring ample rainfall. People hope to achieve rainfall by praying to the dragon. The raising of the dragon's head signifies that the dragon has begun to fulfill its duty to bring rain. Therefore, the saying "On the second day of the second month, the dragon raises its head" expresses the people's yearning for a good life.

Customs

Shaving Dragon's Head

On the day of "Eryue'er Festivalr" (the second day of the second lunar month), there has always been a folk saying "getting a haircut to remove the old". When children get their hair cut, it is called "shaving the lucky head", taking advantage of the auspicious time of the Dragon's Head raising to bless the children to grow up healthily and to excel in the future; when adults get their hair cut, it is called "shaving the dragon's head", bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, hoping to bring good luck.

Eating Dragon Food

On the day of "Eryue'er Festival," in order to seek auspiciousness, the folk diet often takes the name of "dragon". Eating dumplings is called "eating dragon's ears", eating rice is called "eating dragon's children," eating wonton is called "eating dragon's eyes", eating noodles is called "supporting dragon's beard," and cakes are also made to resemble dragon scales, known as "dragon scale cakes".

Spring Plowing Festival

The day of "Dragon's Head Raising" can be considered a true "Labor Day" in ancient China. At this time, the earth turns green, and spring plowing and preparation start from the south to the north. Therefore, "Eryue'er Festival" is also known as the "Spring Plowing Festival".

Treading Green Festival

The Song Dynasty designated "Eryue'er Festival" as the birthday of all flowers, named "Flower Festival". By the Yuan Dynasty, it was also called the "Treading Green Festival". On this day, the people go out to enjoy the greenery and go on outings. Some people, when returning from treading green, pick a kind of flowers and leaves growing on the ground along the way, and take them back to worship in front of their own doors, which has the meaning of "welcoming wealth".