The Origin and Development of Rice Straw Fire Dragon in Chaling County

Originated in the Xichun period of the Southern Song Dynasty.

Straw fire dragon is also known as "Hakka fire dragon". "Hakka Fire Dragon" originated in the Xichun period of the Southern Song Dynasty and has a history of six or seven hundred years. Widely spread in Taokeng, Hukou, _ Fang and other towns where Hakkas live in concentrated communities, forming a town centered on Taokeng and radiating to the surrounding Hakkas. "Hakka Fire Dragon" belongs to local folk culture. After fusion and blending, it has become one of the concentrated representatives of folk culture including music, dance, sacrifice, religious belief and other artistic elements. The production process of the fire dragon is simple, and the dance is beautiful and uncomplicated. "Hakka Fire Dragon" is usually performed during festive festivals, housewarming or long-term drought and rainy days, especially during the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, aiming at exorcising evil spirits and plagues, praying for good luck in old age, placing hopes and reconciling feelings.

The custom of dragon dancing by Hakkas in Chaling originated from a legend: a long time ago, a dragon flew over here, and in the burnt place, the crops grew particularly lush and the grains were abundant; Every family in the village it flew all the way lived a rich life. Therefore, people tied the fire dragon with straw and bamboo, pasted it with paper and silk, and painted it vividly with colored pens according to the appearance of the fire dragon, which was very magnificent. On the fifteenth day of the first month, every household decorated with lanterns, banged gongs and drums, and held fire dragons in the street. Men, women and children are rejoicing.