What does "the first month is forbidden to start, and the twelfth month is forbidden to end" mean?
This beginning and end actually refers to the last day of the twelfth lunar month and the first day of the first lunar month.① Forbidden to End the Twelfth Month
According to ancient people's beliefs, two things should not be done at the end of the twelfth month, which are also very suitable today: borrowing money and moving house. First of all, borrowing money. People living in the world inevitably encounter some difficulties, especially in ancient times, when people's lives were relatively difficult. When the harvest was not enough, sometimes they would have no clothes to wear by the end of the year. Therefore, borrowing money was also a normal phenomenon. However, borrowing money also depends on timing. It is not allowed to borrow money at the end of the twelfth month because there is a folk saying that money should not flow out during the twelfth month. If you lend money, it will affect your family's fortune.
② Forbidden to Start the First Month
The taboos in the first month are no less than those in the twelfth month, because the first month, like the twelfth month, is also a month for worship. The formal ban is lifted after the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The taboos are almost the same as those at the end of the twelfth month. However, the "beginning" also represents the head, so it is not allowed to cut hair during the first month. Hair cutting can only be done from February, which reflects the desire for a better life and is meant to avoid misfortune and seek good luck.
What does "playing the dragon lantern in the first month" mean?
Playing the dragon lantern is one of the traditional folk cultural activities in China, mainly held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Lantern Festival.1. Praying for a bountiful harvest
Playing the dragon lantern is an activity held by farmers on the 15th day of the first lunar month, symbolizing the hope for a bountiful harvest of crops and a happy family in the coming year.
2. Driving away evil and avoiding disasters
According to legend, the dragon lantern can drive away evil and protect people from diseases and disasters. Therefore, playing the dragon lantern is regarded as a ceremony to pray for peace and auspiciousness.
3. Entertainment and leisure
In addition to its meaning and religious beliefs, playing the dragon lantern is also an entertainment and leisure activity. On this festival, people can enjoy the colorful dragon lanterns, feel the strong festival atmosphere, enhance community cohesion, and promote communication and interaction among people.
