On March 1, 2025, the Chinese community will celebrate the auspicious occasion of Dragon Head Raising Day, known as "龍抬頭" (Lóng Tái Tóu), falling on the second day of the second lunar month. This day, also coinciding with the birthday of the Land God (土地公), marks the moment when the dragon is believed to raise its head, heralding the arrival of rain and the end of winter.
The day holds significant cultural importance, as it is traditionally seen as the time when the dragon, which governs clouds and rain, awakens. According to astrologer Yang Dengwen, the dragon's ascension signifies the promise of increased rainfall, which is particularly beneficial for agriculture. The day is surrounded by various customs and restrictions aimed at attracting luck and ensuring prosperity.
Yang has identified eight prohibitions for observance on this special occasion. Adhering to these practices is thought to prevent bad fortune and invite good luck:
- Do Not Knock on Water Taps: Knocking haphazardly on water taps is believed to strike the dragon’s head, resulting in diminished wealth.
- Avoid Saying 'Close the Door': The phrase is thought to prevent the dragon spirit from entering, thereby blocking incoming fortune. Instead, shopkeepers are encouraged to use the phrase "靠門" (leaning door) when closing their establishments.
- Do Not Visit One's Parental Home: For married women, visiting their family's home on this day risks transferring their good fortune away from their natal family.
- Avoid Eating Lobster: Lobsters are thought to resemble the dragon, so partaking in them is discouraged.
- No Congee: Eating congee is forbidden, as it resembles "boiling dragon children" and is regarded as bad luck.
- Refrain from Using Knives or Needles: Historically, this prohibition stems from fears of injuring the dragon’s head or its eyes during this time.
- Do Not Wash Clothes: The belief is washing clothes could inadvertently harm the dragon’s skin, upsetting the balance of luck.
- Do Not Grind Ingredients: Grinding food is also to be avoided as it is believed to mirror the action of impacting the dragon’s head.
Additional traditions for the day include engaging with three auspicious time slots when cutting hair or participating in activities thought to invite prosperity. These are:
- Ssi Time (09:00-11:00) - A favorable time for children to get haircuts, signifying new beginnings.
- Wu Time (11:00-13:00) - Adults are encouraged to cut their hair during this period to invite good luck.
- Shen Time (15:00-17:00) - This final window serves as another opportunity for those seeking fortune through physical transformation.
To attract wealth coinciding with the dragon’s rise, Yang also provides practical tips, such as the "引龍錢" (Attracting Dragon Money) ritual. Participants can fill an empty water bottle with 268 coins and refill it at a nearby bank's water fountain. They are instructed to return home sprinkling this water along the way, representing the dragon’s guidance to their abode. The leftover water can then be added to the household or business’s water supply, signifying the flow of wealth.
Observances also include traditional foods meant to symbolize various blessings — such as pig head meat for abundance, noodles representing longevity, and dumplings, which resemble ears, intended to draw good fortune from all directions. It’s also prudent to indulge in delicacies like spring rolls and rice, which are imbued with meanings of growth and prosperity.
While the customs surrounding Dragon Head Raising Day are rich with tradition, Yang emphasizes, "民俗傳說僅供參考，請勿過度迷信." This translates to, “Folkloric beliefs are for reference only, and do not overly indulge in superstitions.” The balance between respecting traditions and rational thought remains integral as families gather to celebrate this significant cultural day.