Shenyang holds activities for Dragon Head-raising Day

Heping district in Shenyang, Northeast China’s Liaoning province, held a culture festival on March 18, to mark the traditional Chinese Dragon Head-raising Day, which falls on the day.

Chinese Dragon Head-raising Day, also known as Longtaitou Day, falls on the second day of the second month in the Chinese lunar calendar each year.

Dragons are an auspicious animal in Chinese traditional culture, and they are believed to control natural phenomena such as wind and rain. And on Dragon Head-raising Day, the dragons “raise their heads” (which means awaken), symbolizing that a spring rain will come.

On the day, people usually get a haircut, in expectation of a brand new start.

Performances including dragon dances, fan dances, and drum dances were performed for residents during the festival in Heping district.

Cultural traditions such as dough modeling and paper cuttings were also on display.

In addition, free haircuts were provided for senior residents of the district.

Performers dance for residents in Shenyang, on Dragon Head-raising Day, March 18. [Photo/Shenyang Shuaizheng]

A drum dance is performed for residents in Shenyang, on Dragon Head-raising Day, March 18. [Photo/Shenyang Shuaizheng]

A man gets a free haircut in Shenyang, March 18. [Photo/Shenyang Shuaizheng]