Sujiazuo Phoenix and Dragon Lantern Dances

Sujiazuo Phoenix and Dragon lanterns originated during the reign of Emperor Daoguang of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and they were created by a craftsman in Sujiazuo, a village in Jiaozuo. The villagers of Sujiazuo used to have colorful cultural activities during the off-peak season. During the Spring Festival and Sujiazuo’s temple fair (February 19 in the lunar calendar), to worship Fire God, Sujiazuo villagers would make lanterns in the shapes of different animals and plants, such as dragons, phoenixes, tigers and lotus flowers, so as to celebrate their achievements throughout the year and expect a better harvest for the coming year. They would hang these lanterns at front doors. Moreover, they would set these lanterns into different roles in folk tales and legends and make dances represented by phoenix and dragon lantern dances. Sujiazuo Phoenix and Dragon Lantern Dances were listed on the second batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritages.