The Fun of “Getting a Dragon Haircut” and Styling Like Nezha

haircut
Picture of Chen Wang

Chen Wang

Work Link

The Fun of “Getting a Dragon Haircut” and Styling Like Nezha

Barbershops across China see a surge in customers, with children’s salons offering creative styles like “dragon haircut” and Nezha-inspired designs.

March 1st marks the second day of the second month in the Chinese lunar calendar, a day known as “Dragon Raises Its Head” (Longtaitou, 龙抬头). Many people across China visit barbershops for a haircut, believing it will bring good fortune for the new year.

dragon haircuts
A child has his hair cut in a barber shop. (Image from CNS)

In Changchun, Jilin Province, a children’s barbershop was bustling with activity as parents brought their children for haircuts. To make the occasion even more special, the barbershop offered creative and playful hairstyles. The animated film Nezha 2, a major hit during the Chinese Spring Festival, inspired some barbers to skillfully design Nezha’s image on the back of children’s heads, adding a festive touch.

hairstyle
The barber shop also designs a variety of interesting hairstyles for children. (Image from CNS)

Meanwhile, in Beijing, major barbershops saw a significant surge in customers. Many opened early in the morning to accommodate the demand. Some barbershops organized voluntary haircut events. They offered free haircut to inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, sanitation workers, property staff, and couriers. Other essential service providers also benefited from the initiative.

dragon head
Parents bring their children to “shave the dragon head”. (Image from CNS)

A Day of Tradition, Renewal, and Prosperity

The tradition of “Dragon Raises Its Head” is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese astronomy and agricultural customs. Ancient Chinese observers divided the stars near the equator and ecliptic into 28 constellations. These constellations were grouped into four celestial palaces: Azure Dragon in the east, Vermillion Bird in the south, White Tiger in the west, and Black Tortoise in the north. In this astronomical event, the “dragon” refers to the Azure Dragon of the East. Its head is represented by the Jiao constellation (角宿). The phrase “Dragon Raises Its Head” describes the Jiao constellation gradually rising from the eastern horizon. This phenomenon symbolizes the arrival of spring.

For ancient agricultural societies, celestial observations guided the timing of farming activities. The second day of the second lunar month typically falls around the Jingzhe (惊蛰) solar term, a period associated with the awakening of insects and the renewal of life. This time marks the transition to spring, making it an ideal moment to begin farming and embrace new beginnings.

If you liked this article why not read: How Can You Spring into Wellness?

Related Posts

Jiangsu City Football League
43,617 Fans! Jiangsu City Football League Sets New Record
Tourism Meeting 2
From Kites to Culture: Weifang Brings a Symphony of Peace to London
robot soccer
China’s First 3v3 AI Robot Soccer Match Kicks Off in Beijing
Xinhua Headlines: China's driverless tech finds new traction on global roads
China's Self-driving Tech Gains Ground on Global Roads
graduation ceremony
From “The Godfather” to “Peaky Blinders”: Graduation Edition
floodwaters
Southern China Faces Flooding as Rainfall Breaks June Records
veterinary
Paw-some degree: first 4-year 'pet' undergraduate program launched in China
Zhong Ming Dan
East Meets West - Sinologists|Nicolas Standaert: What are the factors affecting mutual understanding between Europe and China?
Tian'anmen Square
China to Display New Equipment at September Military Parade
Monet Garden
China’s Youth Embrace the Calm and Color of "Monet Gardens"
Scroll to Top
Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Free Newsletter

Updates on Chinese events each month.
News roundups straight to your inbox.
Exclusive content and giveaways.