The origin and custom of the dragon rising on February 2 nd

According to legend, the Dragon Head-lifting Festival originated in Fuxi era, and Fuxi "emphasized agriculture, mulberry and ploughing fields". Every year on the second day of the second lunar month, "Huang Niang delivers meals and cultivates the fields with royal horses", and takes care of one acre and three points. Later, the Yellow Emperor, Tang Yao, Yu Shun and Yu Xia all followed the example of their predecessors.

For Zhou Wuwang, we have not only followed this traditional practice, but also implemented it as an important national policy. Every year, on the second day of the second lunar month, a major ceremony is held to let all civil and military officials personally plow an acre of land. It is said that this is the origin of the Dragon Head Festival.

Customs is as follows:

1, eat dragon food

There is a saying about what people eat on February 2. In order to get a happy occasion, people should name everything they eat "dragon". For example, eating spring cakes means eating "Longlin", eating jiaozi is considered as "eating dragon ears" and eating wonton is considered as "eating longan".

Step 2 scrape the tap

February 2nd is the day when Qinglong ascended to heaven. Therefore, people think that scraping the tap on February 2 can make people feel energetic in the new year.

3, mining dragon gas

Because this day is the time when the Dragon Horn rises from the east, the ancients have to get up early on this day, usually they have to go out before dawn. Everyone has to come to the reservoir or the river and take a deep breath facing the east. This behavior of the ancients is actually collecting dragon spirits, hoping for good luck and good spirits every day in the new year.

4. Sacrifice to the God of Society

February 2 is not only the day when the dragon looks up, but also the birthday of the land god, so it is also called "Social Day Festival". In the eyes of the ancients, the earth nourishes everything, while the land god is responsible for the growth of grains and protects people's food and clothing. Therefore, this day is to "sacrifice to the social gods" and hope that the crops will be harvested next.

Step 5 smoke insects

February 2 is usually associated with the solar term of fear. At this time, the temperature has ushered in a rapid rejuvenation, people have begun to take off their coats, and everything has begun to recover, so insects and hibernating animals will wake up. At this time, insects and mosquitoes will gradually become active. In order not to be bitten by insects and mosquitoes, people will "smoke insects" on February 2 to smoke away insects that just woke up from winter.