I. The Origin of Dragon Head Carrying
The second day of February is an important festival in the Chinese lunar calendar, and is also the traditional day of Dragon Head Carrying. The term "Dragon Head Raising" comes from an ancient Chinese legend. According to legend, at some time in ancient times, the dragon was a mysterious and majestic creature, and was regarded as a symbol of good luck. However, dragons only raise their heads on certain days of the year, and that day is the second day of February.
The significance of the dragon's head lifting
The dragon's head lifting has far-reaching significance in Chinese culture. First of all, the dragon is the national treasure of China and is regarded as the symbol of the Chinese people. The dragon carrying its head means the prosperity and prosperity of the country. Secondly, the dragon carrying its head also symbolizes the beginning of a new year, when people pray for a good harvest and happiness in the coming year. Finally, the dragon's head is also regarded as a symbol of blessing, and it is believed that praying on this day can get the blessing and protection from the gods.
3. Traditional Folklore of Dragon Head Carrying
1. Dragon Dance
Dragon dance is one of the most important traditional folklore of Dragon Head Carrying. On the second day of the second month of February, people will organize a dragon dance team, and dragons made of colored silk and bamboo poles will dance in the streets. The dragon dance team usually consists of a group of young men holding the dragon's head and tail, who perform a graceful dragon dance maneuver to the sound of drums and gongs.
2. Setting off firecrackers
Setting off firecrackers is also one of the traditional folklore of Dragon Head Dance. It is believed that the sound of firecrackers can drive away evil spirits and bring good luck and good fortune. On the second day of February, people will set off firecrackers in temples and streets to pray for peace and happiness.
3. Sacrifice to Ancestors
On the day of the Dragon's Head, people will also sacrifice to their ancestors. They will place the tablets of their ancestors in their homes and burn incense to express their respect and longing for their ancestors. At the same time, people will also pray for the blessing and shelter of their ancestors.
Four, the dragon head operation steps
1. Preparation of the dragon dance props
The dragon dance requires the preparation of a dragon's head and a dragon's tail, which can be made using colorful silk and bamboo poles. The dragon's head is usually carved from a piece of wood and the tail is sewn from colored silk.
2. Organize a dragon dance team
Invite some young people to join the dragon dance team, which can be divided into two groups, one holding the dragon head and the other holding the dragon tail. The number of the team can be adjusted according to the actual situation.
3. Choose a suitable place
Choose an open place for the dragon dance performance, which can be a street, a square or a temple. Make sure there are no obstacles or dangerous objects.
4. Starting the Dragon Dance Performance
According to the pre-agreed signal, the dragon dance team starts the performance. The person holding the dragon's head moves forward, followed by the person holding the dragon's tail. In time with the drums and gongs, the dragon dances and shows off its graceful dance movements.
5. Setting off firecrackers for blessings
After the dragon dance performance, you can choose a suitable time and place to set off firecrackers to pray for peace and happiness.
6. Sacrifice to Ancestors
Back home, you will place the tablets of your ancestors and burn incense to express your respect and longing for them. Pray for the blessing and shelter of the ancestors.