Chapter 1: Born Foolish
Chapter 1: Born Foolish
On the second day of the second lunar month, the Dragon raises its head. On the third day of the third lunar month, people honor Xuanyuan.
March 29, 2009, was the third day of the third lunar month on the Chinese calendar.
Just a few years ago, every household in this area still upheld the tradition of ancestor worship and honoring Emperor Xuanyuan on this day.
However, as more young adults left for work in the cities, the village became populated mostly by the elderly and children. Customs became simplified, and the festive atmosphere gradually faded.
Some families still kept the tradition solemnly, setting out offerings and preparing a more lavish dinner to celebrate the birthday of Emperor Xuanyuan.
Most others, however, handled it more casually, with just the elderly lighting incense for the Yellow Emperor while the children looked on.
Some families didn’t even bother with the custom anymore.
The Huang family, though, honored Xuanyuan every year. Even when only the old man and his grandson were left in the household, they never slacked.