Can I go back to my parents' home on February 2? It means a new beginning.

Can I go back to my parents’ home on February 2nd? February 2nd, the Dragon Raising its Head, is a traditional festival with many customs and activities on this day. Next, let’s take a look at what is said about returning to one’s parents’ home on this day.

Can I go back to my parents' home on February 2?

February 2nd is the day to go back to your parents’ home.
February 2 is also known as the Dragon Head Festival. On this day, there is an important custom that the girl’s family will bring back her married daughter, hence the saying “February 2, bring the girl back.” Because in folk customs, a daughter who is married off in the first month of the lunar year cannot return to her parents' home. Even if she goes back to her parents' home to pay New Year's greetings, she must return on the same day. February 2nd not only marks the end of the first lunar month, but is also an auspicious day when the dragon raises its head. Therefore, the daughter’s family will come to pick her up and stay with her for a few days. From another perspective, the "girl" has been busy for a long time in the first month of the year and is quite tired, so taking her back to her parents' home can give her a good rest; and the new year has already begun, and it will be busy again, so the head of the family should be rewarded well.

Other customs of the Dragon Raising its Head on February 2

Haircut

The second day of the second lunar month is the day when the dragon raises its head. There is a custom of getting a haircut among the people. It is said that getting a haircut on this day means good luck and fortune. Therefore, many parents will give their children a haircut on this day to bring good luck.

Eat Dragon Food

In addition to getting a haircut on the second day of the second lunar month, many places eat foods named after dragons. For example, eating noodles is called "supporting dragon's whiskers"; eating wontons is called "eating longan"; eating rice is called "eating dragon's seeds", and so on.

Scattering Ashes

There is a folk custom on the second day of the second lunar month, which is scattering ashes. The specific methods are roughly as follows: scattering ashes in front of the door, which means "blocking the door to ward off disasters"; scattering ashes in the corners, which means "get rid of all insects"; scattering ashes in the yard, which means celebrating a good harvest; scattering ashes beside the well, which means praying for good weather.

Lead the Dragon

There is also an interesting custom on this day called "attracting the dragon". Before the sun comes out on February 2, people go to the river to fetch water and put copper coins in the bucket. Then, they sprinkle the water towards their home as they go home. Finally, they pour the remaining water into their own water tank. This way, they can ask the dragon god to bless them.