What customs and activities are there on February 2nd? Are there any taboos on February 2nd?

Customs of February 2nd, February 2nd is called the Dragon Head Festival. It has become a custom across the country to pray for peace and a good harvest through various dragon-related folk activities. So, specifically, what are the customs and activities on February 2nd?

What are the customs and activities on February 2?

1. Golden Bean Blossom

"Golden beans blooming" is a saying with a relatively auspicious meaning. It means taking some of the corn and soybeans that were saved as seeds last year and frying them in a pan. Because the items used are all granular or bean-like, and there are crackling sounds when frying, it is like golden beans blooming. In addition, this method can be used to judge the preservation condition of crops. Seeds that are infested by insects or spoiled by moisture will not explode. People use this to determine whether the seeds can be used. In fact, the so-called "Dragon Raising its Head" means that after hibernation, all insects begin to wake up. Hence the saying goes, "On the second day of the second month, the dragon raises its head, and scorpions and centipedes all show their heads." People in rural Shandong believe that frying scorpion claws is to ward off evil and pray for blessings.

2. Eat dragon food

There is a food custom of eating spring pancakes when the dragon raises its head on February 2nd. Spring pancakes are in pieces and shaped like scales, so eating spring pancakes is also called "eating dragon scales"; noodles are shaped like beards, so in some places there is a custom of eating noodles when the dragon raises its head on February 2nd, so eating noodles is called "supporting the dragon's beard"; in addition, eating rice is called "eating dragon's seeds", cooking noodles and wontons together is called "dragon taking beads", and eating pig's head is called "eating dragon's head".

3. Shaving dragon head

Compared with the above two items, the most well-known custom of the Dragon Raising its Head on February 2 is shaving one's head. As the saying goes, "Shave the dragon's head on February 2, and you will have a spirited head for the whole year." This refers to the custom that people like to shave their heads on February 2. In our country, there is a saying that: cutting children's hair is called shaving "happy head"; cutting adults' hair means bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new. Although it is not as traditional as in the past, these customs with beautiful meanings have been preserved. In our country, there is a tradition of not getting a haircut in the first month of the lunar calendar. However, after the Dragon Raises its Head on the Second Day of the Second Month, the temperature rises and people get a haircut and change their clothes in such an environment, which also reflects their good expectations and blessings for the new year.

4. The daughter-in-law returns to her parents' home

"February 2" is also the day when a daughter-in-law returns to her parents' home. According to old customs, a daughter-in-law has to live with her husband's family during the first month of the lunar year and is only allowed to return to her parents' home after the first month. Therefore, there is a folk song in China that goes "On the second day of the second month, go to pick up your baby. If you can't, you'll cry," which expresses the parents' desire for their daughter to return.

5. Repel pests

There is a folk saying in Beijing that goes, "On the second day of the second month, shine the light on the beams and scorpions and centipedes will have nowhere to hide." People have to get rid of pests on this day. They light candles and shine the light on the beams and walls to get rid of scorpions, centipedes, etc. When these insects see the light, they fall down and are killed. The custom of expelling insects on the day of the Dragon Raising its Head is mainly popular in northern China. February 2nd falls around Jingzhe, one of the 24 solar terms. At this time, various insects, including poisonous insects, begin to become active. In order to avoid harm from poisonous insects, people hold activities that contain the meaning of expelling insects. For example, you can use sticks, brooms or shoes to knock on beams, walls, doors, beds, etc. to avoid snakes, scorpions, centipedes, rats and other insects. Usually, people also chant ballads, such as "On the second day of the second month, the dragon raises its head, scorpions and centipedes don't show their heads." (Tianjin) and "On the second day of the second month, knock on the gourd, and nine out of ten mice in the nest will go blind."

6. Large and small households use oxen for farming

"February 2" is also an agricultural festival in rural areas. An agricultural proverb says: "On the second day of the second month, the dragon raises its head, and households of all kinds use oxen to plow." But there are also some places where spring drought is more severe and spring rain is as precious as oil. If there is abundant spring rain, it indicates a good harvest in the year. Hence, there is a farmer's proverb: "On the second day of the second month, the dragon raises its head, and the big warehouses are full and the small warehouses are flowing."

Are there any taboos on February 2?

There are no special taboos. February 2nd, the Dragon Raising its Head, is a traditional Chinese festival. During this festival, many folk taboos are passed down, for example, avoid needle and thread, avoid looking at the beams, avoid washing clothes, etc. For traditional culture, we face it with the attitude of "taking the essence and discarding the dross". For some customs with beautiful meanings, such as golden beans blooming, eating dragon food, shaving dragon heads, etc., we will inherit and innovate them, but we need to abandon some customs with feudal superstitions and treat them with the perspective of scientific development. Since ancient times, people have celebrated the day of "Dragon Raising its Head" in mid-spring to show their respect for the dragon's blessings, good weather, and good harvests. In the future, people will continue to inherit the good wishes of this festival to celebrate the festival. If you want to do anything or make any arrangements on February 2, you can do it according to your personal habits. There are no special taboos.