Zhonge Festival 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

The Zhonghe Festival is a Chinese tradition that has been observed for centuries and will be observed on February 21 this year. This celebration occurs on the first day of the second lunar month of the Chinese calendar. This means that, according to the Gregorian calendar and depending on the year, it occurs in February or March. The origins of the festival, also known as the Blue Dragon Festival, date back to the Tang and Song Dynasties, which ruled China during the middle ages. It is a traditional celebration of the first signs of spring, the end of winter, and the awakening of agriculture.

The History of Zhonge Festival

The Zhonghe Festival is a traditional Chinese agricultural festival also known as the Blue Dragon Festival or Longtaitou Festival. Longtaitou translates to “the dragon raising its head,” a reference to the mythical beast that is believed to rule over all living things and, more importantly, the rains.

The Zhonghe Festival dates back to when the Tang and Song dynasties ruled China. It is believed that the Dragon King, also known as the “Dragon God,” is the god of water and weather. He can appear in a variety of forms. He is the god of the east, and the Blue Dragon represents the essence of spring. The festival commemorates the ritual worship of the Dragon King, who is believed to be in charge of the spring rains. Farmers celebrate the Zhonghe Festival in anticipation of favourable weather and ploughing conditions during harvest season. Tudigong, the Lord of the Soil and the Ground, is still worshipped today. This minor deity has always been venerated by adherents of Taoism and Chinese folk religions. Jingzhe, the third solar period of the Chinese calendar, coincides with the celebration. This ‘insect awakening’ occurs when the land and its hibernating animals are roused by spring’s first warm hints.

However, the Zhonghe Festival is not celebrated in many of China’s major cities; it may not even be observed in certain hamlets and villages. The locations where it is celebrated adhere to a variety of traditions. The Dragon God is revered for one reason. Those who take part in this festival hope that the Dragon King or God will bring sufficient rainfall to ensure a bountiful harvest.

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ZHONGE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

Clean the dwelling

You may clean your home without fear of’sweeping’ in the good fortune brought by the Chinese New Year. This practise is believed to usher in new good fortune.

Enjoy dumplings and pancakes

Consume dumplings, pancakes, ramen, and popcorn. While enjoying these foods, you should hope for rain and abundant harvests.

Obtain a haircut

Get your hair cut on this day. It is associated with the pride and power of the legendary beast.

5 Interesting Zhonghe Festival Facts

It is believed that the dragon’s eyes may be injured by the needles when he turns his head towards the ground.

It is believed that doing laundry during the Zhonghe Festival will harm the dragon’s skin.

On this day, plant ashes are traditionally dispersed throughout the home, and when stored in an earthen jug, they are believed to invite the dragon to bring rain.

The Chinese proverb ‘Er Yue er, long tai tou’ is the source of the phrase ‘Longtaitou,’ which means ‘the dragon raises its head.’

The dumplings represent the dragon’s ears, the pancakes its scales, the noodles its beard, and the popcorn its seeds.

ZHONGE FESTIVAL DATES

Year	Date	Day
2022	March 4	Friday
2023	February 21	Tuesday
2024	March 11	Monday
2025	March 11	Tuesday
2026	March 20	Friday