Dunhuang murals reveal festival traditions
Farming
From the perspective of the 24 solar terms, the Longtaitou Festival falls around the Rain Water, Awakening of Insects and Spring Equinox periods, at a time when many parts of China are in the rain season. Ancient people believed rain was the dragon's contribution, as the dragon was both an auspicious creature and dominated the weather. Timely wind and rain makes for good farming. The mural in Cave 23 of Mogao Grottoes portrays a farming scene in gentle rain.
In ancient China during the Longtaitou Festival, it was believed that to make the dragon raise its head smoothly, all household chores should be stopped. This includes needlework, to avoid "hurting the dragon's eyes", and clothes washing, to avoid "injuring the dragon’s skin".
It is also said on the night before the Longtaitou Festival, stone mills in each house should be set up to not block the dragon from raising its head. Only by doing this would the spring rain be sustained and the year would see a ripe harvest.
