The second day of the lunar calendar's second month is called "Dragon Heads-Raising Day." The tradition dictates that people pray for a bountiful harvest and good luck in the coming year. Many in China's northern provinces wait until this day to get their haircuts. 

An old man who has been coming to the same barbershop since he was a young lad was quite emotional today: “I brought my grandson here today specially. Today's Dragon Heads-Raising Day and my grandson was born in the year of the dragon... So I bring him here every year on this day. I actually got my haircut here on my wedding day, December 20, 1980.” 

As the old man accompanied his son and his grandson at the barbershop, he couldn’t help but express his excitement, saying, “life really goes in a full circle.”‍

What is the story behind this tradition?

Silian Barbershop has been cutting Beijingers' hair since 1965, and it has become a family tradition to come here on Dragon Heads-Raising Day every year for many. Some have been lining up as early as 4 a.m. to shave off bad luck in the hope of a fresh start. 

The manager of Silian Barbershop explained: "The story goes like this...Once upon a time there was a penniless barber who was very close to his uncle. He wanted to get his uncle a present, but he couldn't afford anything, so instead, he went to his uncle's house and gave him a haircut. His uncle got so much praise for it that he asked the barber to come back every year at the end of Chinese New Year to give him a fresh, clean cut. And so that's how the tradition started ... And slowly people picked up the custom..."

So do you know why the day is called Dragon Head-Raising Day?

The dragon symbolizes power and honor in China, and Chinese people see snakes as miniature dragons. It is said that on this day snakes come out of hibernation. Hence the name: Dragon Heads-Raising Day. 

Many make haircut reservations weeks, even months in advance for this day. And Silian Barbershop is ready for the estimated 700 customers. The manager said that 6,000 linen towels have been prepared and the store opened three hours earlier than usual to accommodate the huge demand. Even if you don't believe in the superstition, this may still be a good excuse to get a fresh cut for the new month and new year! 

Happy Dragon Heads-Raising Day!