China is a country with many colorful days and festivals. The Dragon Head Raising Day (Longtaitou) is one of them.
This special day is on the second day of the second month in the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the day fell on March 10.
We Chinese people call ourselves the "descendants (传人) of the dragon". So people celebrate the Dragon Head Raising Day with many customs about dragons.
On the day in old times, people put ashes (灰) in the kitchen. This was to "lead the dragon into the house".
Also, people eat special foods on that day. For example, people eat "dragon whisker (胡须)" noodles and dumplings called "dragon teeth".
Today, many customs have got lost. It was said that a haircut during the first lunar month may bring bad luck to the mother's brothers. So many people have their hair cut on the Dragon Head Raising Day.
A. The dragon is important in Chinese culture. B. It stands for (代表) the start of spring and farming. C. People believed that with the help of the dragon, they could have a good harvest (丰收) in autumn. D. Many people have their hair cut on that day. E. The foods are usually named after dragons. F. But one that has kept till today is the cutting of hair. |
