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==Final Paper==
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===Rucheng Incense Dragon===
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====Introduction====
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Rucheng County is located in southern Hunan Province, at the confluence of Hunan, Guangdong, and Jiangxi provinces, and has long enjoyed the reputation of "the crow of a rooster heard in three provinces, waters flowing into three rivers." In November 2014, the China Division of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names conferred upon Rucheng the title of "Millennium-Old County." Rucheng County possesses profound historical and cultural heritage and abundant resources, making it a Famous Historical and Cultural City in Hunan Province. Rucheng Incense Dragon is a dragon dance performance activity held on nights around the Lantern Festival. It is practiced in 14 villages and townships within Rucheng County. It was included in the first batch of Hunan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2006 and designated as a national-level intangible cultural heritage protection project in the second batch in 2008. (Hu Ting et al., 2023)
  
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Liubao Tea: the great tea of Lingnan, carrying the essence of thousands of years
 
  
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1、Introduction
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Within different localities of Rucheng, there exist varying artistic forms, and the inheritance and crafting techniques also differ from village to village. There are multiple narratives regarding the origin of "Rucheng Incense Dragon," mostly stemming from local folklore. One widely circulated legend states: In the first year of the Hongdao era of the Tang Dynasty (683 AD), Rucheng County suffered from flood disasters. Villagers "used fire dragons to subdue the flood," weaving dried rice straw, commonly found locally, into several straw dragons. They set these straw dragons alight and cast them into the floodwaters, eventually causing the floods to recede and allowing villagers to resume normal life. Thereafter, villagers in Rucheng, organized by village, began holding Xianghuolong dance rituals during the Lantern Festival period to pray for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and peace in the coming year. (Qiu Haihong & Hu Jianzhong, 2019)
  
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Liubao Tea, a speciality of Wuzhou City in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region, is a product with National Geographic Indication in China. It is also included in the Traditional Tea Processing Techniques and Their Associated Customs--a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - under the category of dark tea processing techniques (Liubao Tea Processing Techniques). As one of China’s renowned historical teas, Liubao Tea belongs to the dark tea category and derive its name from Liubao Town, Cangwu Country, Wuzhou, its place of origin. Its quality is celebrated for the Four Excellence: red hue, rich aroma, mellow taste, and heavy texture. With a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, Liubao Tea gained prominence during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Leveraging water transportation advantages, it was exported to the Southeast Asia, becoming a representative of “Overseas Chinese Export Tea”. As a vital symbol of Wuzhou’s regional culture , Liubao Tea is more than a beverage - it embodies the local people’s wisdom of daily life, commercial history, and folk emotions, serving as a key link for cultural and economic exchanges between Wuzhou and the outside world. Today, amid the rising popularity of tea culture, Liubao Tea has re-entered public view with its unique flavor, health-preserving value, and profound cultural heritage, emerging as an indispensable subject in the study of Lingnan tea culture.
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====Production Process of Rucheng Incense Dragon====
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The materials used to make Rucheng Incense Dragon are all locally sourced, including rice straw, palm leaves, nan bamboo, sunflower stalks, etc. These seemingly ordinary materials are transformed by inheritors into breathtaking works of art. "Zhaogongbian" is the foundational material for making the Xianghuolong. It consists of strips hundreds of meters long and approximately 4 centimeters in diameter, serving as the base for all subsequent stages of the dragon's construction. Under the craftsmen's hands, the "Zhaogongbian" is sequentially shaped into the dragon's head, neck, body, and tail. The dragon head section features complex design, with every detail—from the horns, mouth, and whiskers to the eyes, ears, teeth, and nose—meticulously carved and layered, perfectly presenting the dragon's majesty. Each segment of the dragon body forms an arch. A key point in crafting the body is the insertion of dragon incense sticks. Artisans insert incense sticks, each about 60 cm long, into the "Zhaogongbian" at intervals of about 2 cm along both sides of the dragon body, connecting them with thin bamboo strips to form vivid scales. The entire dragon body requires approximately 40,000 incense sticks, creating a tremendous visual impact. After completing all components, each body segment is connected in front of the ancestral temple, fixed with bamboo poles and ropes, and fitted with carrying poles, forming a complete Xianghuolong ready for performance. The Xianghuolong can consist of 7 to 11 arches and reach a height of 2.5 to 4 meters. (Qiu Haihong et al., 2017)
  
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2、Folk Tale of Liubao Tea
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====Ritual Procedures====
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The Rucheng Incense Dragon ritual is a major annual folk event deeply cherished and valued by the local populace of Rucheng County. The activity is held during the Lantern Festival period. In villages hosting the event, everyone, young and old, actively participates, collectively witnessing the grand dragon dance ceremony.
  
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This folk tale is related to trade and transportation. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Liubao was transported to Guangzhou the Xijiang River shipping route and then resold to Southeast Asian countries. It is said that once, a merchant ship carrying Liubao Tea encountered a violent storm during its voyage. The rough waves caused the tea chests to get wet. The boatman thought the tea would get ruined, but to their surprise, when they opened the chests upon arrival, they found that the tea had fermented after absorbing moisture, resulting in a smoother, mellower taste and a richer aroma. This accident not only revealed Liubao Tea’s unique post-fermentation characteristics but also provided inspiration for subsequent process improvements, becoming an interesting anecdote in the development history of Liubao Tea.
 
  
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3、The Significance of Liubao Tea
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As night falls, local villagers signal the start with three blasts from local cannons. Drums, gongs, wind and string instruments, and firecrackers sound in unison. Participants holding torches light all the incense inserted into the dragon's body. The entire dragon, now ablaze with fire, radiates and glitters in the night. Guided by a young man holding a fiery embroidered ball, dozens of young men lift and begin to dance the dragon. The Incense Dragon, glowing a radiant red, weaves through the streets and alleys of the villages and towns. When passing households, each family lights candles and sets off firecrackers to welcome the dragon's arrival, symbolizing good luck and a prosperous, auspicious year with favorable weather. (Xu Xiaoqin & Lei Junrong, 2010) During the Incense Dragon performance, two dragons (a mother dragon and a child dragon) and two lions (a mother lion and a child lion) accompany the dance. One lion leads in front of the dragon, and another follows at the tail. Dozens of "Three-Eyed Cannons" fire simultaneously during the performance. Over one hundred young and middle-aged farmers, dressed in old clothes, lift the dragon, which weighs approximately 1,500 kilograms. They first dance it around the ancestral temple and then parade it along the village paths. The performance includes a sequence of movements such as rolling, spraying water, submerging to the "sea floor," jumping, swallowing, and sleeping. The "submerging" and "swallowing" movements are particularly technically challenging. The leading and following lions perform their own rolls and jumps in addition to actions that guide and protect the dragon ("escorting the dragon").
  
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(1)From a Historical and Trade Perspective During the Ming, Qing dynasties and the Republic of China, Liubao Tea was one of the key commodities for Wuzhou’s foreign trade. Relying on the golden waterway of the Xijiang River, Liubao Tea departed from Wuzhou Wharf, passed through Guangzhou and Hong Kong， and was exported to Southeast countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. It became an indispensable beverage among the overseas Chinese communities at that time, even known as the homesickness of overseas Chinese. Its trade not only drove the development of local industries in Wuzhou such as shipping, packing and transportation, but also promoted cultural exchanges between Wuzhou and Southeast Asian regions, serving as an important witness to the foreign trade history of Lingnan area.
 
  
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(3)From a Health Preservation Perspective
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The Rucheng Incense Dragon dance follows a complete, prescribed procedure: Before the dance, a ceremony worshipping ancestors is held in the ancestral temple, involving setting up an altar, burning incense, bowing with hands folded, and performing kowtows. During this time, villagers maintain an air of solemn reverence, with no noise. After the ceremony, the dragon is lifted and kowtows three times in front of the ancestral hall before the "dragon dance" commences. Households along the street set off firecrackers, a practice known as "receiving the dragon" (Jie Long). After following the prescribed route, the dragon returns to the front of the ancestral temple. The dragon's head is positioned centrally as the body coils into three circles. Villagers then pluck out the remaining incense sticks, and the dragon frame is burned in a ritual called "transforming the dragon" (Hua Long), signifying "the dragon returns to heaven." Early the next morning, the ashes are poured into a stream, symbolizing "the dragon returns to the great sea." (Xu Xiaoqin & Lei Junrong, 2010)
  
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From the perspective of moderns health preservation, Liubao Tea boasts rich health value. Through long-term post-fermentation, it contains various nutrients such tea polyphenols, tea polysaccharides and amino acids, with a mild nature suitable for people of different groups. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that Liubao Tea has the effects of dispelling dampness, nourishing the stomach and reducing blood lipids, which is especially suitable for the human body’s needs under humid climate of Lingnan area. Modern research also shows that long-term and moderate consumption of Liubao Tea has a certain auxiliary effect on regulating blood sugar and lowering cholesterol, making it one of the preferred teas for people pursuing a healthy lifestyles nowadays.
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====Contemporary Inheritance and Innovation====
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(I) Increasing Government Funding and Support: Providing financial assistance to inheritors of the Rucheng Incense Dragon for carrying out transmission activities can effectively stimulate their motivation for safeguarding and their capacity for innovation, thereby strongly promoting the sustainable development of Incense Dragon cultural activities. Especially during important festivals such as the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, funding exhibition performances can increase its visibility, enhance local community enthusiasm for participation, and also effectively integrate resources to foster cross-regional and interdisciplinary cultural exchanges. (Yang Zhuangzhuang, 2024)
  
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3、Types of Liubao Tea
 
  
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Based on the manufacturing techniques, storage time and morphological features, Liubao tea can be mainly categorized into the following types:
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(II) Digital Technology Assisting the Inheritance of the Rucheng Incense Dragon: For the digital preservation of Rucheng Incense Dragon craftsmanship, technologies such as 3D scanning and 3D modeling can be employed to capture the detailed structure and complex techniques with high precision. Subsequently, digital technology can transform this data into animated presentations. This approach can both preserve the traditional charm of the Incense Dragon and present it to the public in a more vivid and intuitive manner. Secondly, promoting Rucheng Incense Dragon culture through online platforms leverages the rapid dissemination power of the internet, enabling the artistic charm and cultural value of the Incense Dragon to transcend temporal and spatial boundaries, reach a wider audience, and expand its cultural influence. The key lies in conveying its cultural value to enhance public awareness and interest in Incense Dragon culture. Internet digital platforms, especially social media and short video platforms, represent new frontiers for disseminating this cultural heritage. (Yang Zhuangzhuang, 2024)
  
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Traditional farmhouse tea: it is crafted using traditional manual techniques. The fresh tea leaves undergo processes like fixation, rolling, pile fermentation and drying. Typically strip-shaped in appearance, it boasts a dark brown and glossy color, with an orange-red and bright tea liquor. The taste is mellow and sweet with a lingering aftertaste, accompanied by a unique betel nut aroma. As the most traditionally flavored variety of Liubao tea, it is mostly handmade and consumed by local farmers themselves.
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====Conclusion====
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In the arrangement order of the zodiac, the ancients’ understanding of the laws of nature is hidden. Judging from the living habits of animals, mice are active at night, which corresponds to the time of day; Cows will ruminate when they are ugly, which corresponds to ugliness; The tiger is the fiercest. This way of “matching time with animal habits” embodies the ancient idea of “harmony between man and nature”-human beings and nature are not antagonistic, but interdependent and harmonious. The zodiac signs bind time, animals and people’s lives together, reflecting the ancient people’s survival wisdom of adapting to and using nature.
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In addition, the zodiac animals include mammals, reptiles, birds and even imaginary animal dragons, but they can coexist harmoniously, which shows that the ancients have a tolerant and respectful attitude towards all kinds of creatures; In the zodiac, the dragon, as the only deity, represents heaven and earth, and it is the ancient people’s worship of nature and the condensation of imagination. Fuxi Nuwa’s snake-face, which is often seen in Han portraits, and the snake, as one of the zodiac animals, are often connected with the spirit of creation, which is also full of worship for nature.
  
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Modern craft tea: it is improved by integrating modern tea-making technologies, with optimized fermentation conditions and production processes on the basis of traditional techniques, resulting in higher yield and more stable quality. According to different shapes, it can be further divided into compressed teas such as Bingcha(the shape of stored tea like a cookie), Zhuancha(the shape of stored tea like a brick), and loose tea. Compressed teas are easy to store and transported, suitable for long-term collection; loose tea, the the other hand, is convenient for brewing, ideal for daily drinking, with a fresher taste of the tea liquor and a more distinct and refreshing aroma.
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===Terms and Expressions===
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Rucheng Incense Dragon 汝城香火龙
  
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Aged tea: that refers Liubao that has been stored for more than five years. As the storage time extends, the components in the tea leaves undergo further transformation, leading to a milder and smoother taste. Its aroma gradually evolves from the initial betel nut scent into aged fragrance. Aged Liubao tea not only has a distinctive taste but is also regarded as having higher collection value and health-preserving effects, making it a higher-end variety of Liubao tea that is deeply flavoured by tea lovers and collectors.
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Dragon Dance 舞龙
  
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Lantern Festival 元宵节
  
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梧州六堡茶：承载千年底蕴的岭南佳茗
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Ancestral Temple / Clan Hall 祠堂
  
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一、引言
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Ancestor Worship Ceremony 祭祖仪式
  
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梧州六堡茶，广西壮族自治区梧州市特产，中国国家地理标志产品，也被列入联合国人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录中国传统制茶技艺及其相关习俗黑茶制作技艺（六堡茶制作技艺）。六堡茶是中国历史名茶之一，属于黑茶类，因原产于广西梧州苍梧县六堡镇而得名，其品质以“红、浓、沉、醇”四绝著称。历史可追溯至唐代，在明清时期更是凭借水运优势远销东南亚，成为“侨销茶”的代表。作为梧州地域文化的重要符号，六堡茶不仅是一种饮品，更承载着当地人民的生活智慧、商贸历史与民俗情感，是连接梧州与外界文化、经济交流的重要纽带。如今，随着茶文化热潮的兴起，六堡茶凭借独特的口感、养生价值及深厚的文化底蕴，重新走进大众视野，成为研究岭南茶文化不可缺少的重要对象。
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Receiving the Dragon (Jie Long) 接龙
  
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二、六堡茶的民间故事
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Transforming the Dragon (Hua Long) 化龙
  
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明清时期，六堡茶通过西江航运运往广州，再转销至东南亚各国。据说有一次，一艘运载六堡茶的商船在航行途中遭遇暴风雨，船只颠簸导致茶箱进水。船夫们本以为茶叶会报废，没想到抵达目的地后，打开茶箱发现，茶叶因吸收水分发酵，口感反而更加醇厚顺滑，香气也更浓郁。这次意外不仅让人们发现了六堡茶独特的后发酵特性，也为其后续的工艺改良提供了灵感，成为六堡茶发展史上的一段趣谈。
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Hakka Communities 客家人
  
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三、六堡茶的重要性
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Agrarian Culture 农耕文化
  
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（一）历史商贸层面
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Zhaogongbian 赵公鞭
  
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在明清至民国时期，六堡茶是梧州对外贸易的重要商品之一。依托西江黄金水道，六堡茶从梧州码头出发，经广州、香港，远销至马来西亚、新加坡等东南亚国家，成为当时华人社群中不可或缺的饮品，甚至被称为“侨胞的思乡茶”。其贸易往来不仅带动了梧州当地航运、包装、运输等产业的发展，更促进了梧州与东南亚地区的文化交流，成为岭南地区对外商贸历史的重要见证。
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Dragon Incense Sticks (Long Xiang) 龙香
  
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（二）地域文化层面
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To Pray for Blessings and Ward Off Disasters 祈福消灾
  
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六堡茶是梧州地域文化的“活名片”，融入了当地人民的日常生活与民俗活动。在梧州，无论是家庭待客、节日庆典，还是婚丧嫁娶，都离不开六堡茶的身影。例如，当地婚礼中，新人会以六堡茶招待宾客，象征“茶浓情更浓”；春节期间，家人围坐品饮六堡茶，寓意“团圆安康”。此外，六堡茶的种植、制作工艺代代相传，凝聚了当地人民的智慧，成为梧州非物质文化遗产的重要组成部分，承载着当地的历史记忆与文化认同。
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===Questions====
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1.What disaster is the widely circulated origin of the Rucheng Incense Dragon associated with?
  
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（三）健康养生层面
 
  
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从现代养生角度来看，六堡茶具有丰富的健康价值。经过长期后发酵，六堡茶中含有茶多酚、茶多糖、氨基酸等多种营养成分，且其茶性温和，适合不同人群饮用。传统中医认为，六堡茶具有祛湿、养胃、降脂等功效，尤其适合岭南地区潮湿气候下的人体需求；现代研究也表明，长期适量饮用六堡茶，对调节血糖、降低胆固醇有一定辅助作用，成为当下追求健康生活方式人群的优选茶饮之一。
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2.What is the foundational material for making the Rucheng Incense Dragon?
  
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四、六堡茶的种类
 
  
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根据制作工艺、存储时间及外形特点，六堡茶主要可分为以下几类：
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3.During which festival is the Rucheng Incense Dragon primarily performed?
  
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①　传统农家茶：采用传统手工工艺制作，鲜叶经过杀青、揉捻、渥堆发酵、干燥等工序，外形多为条索状，色泽黑褐油润，茶汤橙红明亮，滋味醇厚回甘，带有独特的“槟榔香”，是六堡茶中最具传统风味的品类，多为当地农户自家制作与饮用。
 
  
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②　现代工艺茶：结合现代制茶技术改良而成，在传统工艺基础上优化了发酵条件与生产流程，产量更高、品质更稳定。根据外形不同，又可分为饼茶、砖茶等紧压茶，以及散茶。紧压茶便于存储和运输，适合长期收藏；散茶则冲泡更便捷，适合日常饮用，茶汤口感更清爽，香气更显清新。
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4.In contemporary inheritance and innovation, in which aspects is digital technology primarily applied to assist the inheritance of the Rucheng Incense Dragon?
  
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③　陈年老茶：指存储时间超过5年的六堡茶，随着存储时间的延长，茶叶中的成分会进一步转化，口感更加温润顺滑，香气也从最初的槟榔香逐渐演变为陈香、木香，甚至带有药香。陈年老茶不仅口感独特，且被认为具有更高的收藏价值与养生功效，是六堡茶中的高端品类，深受茶友与收藏者青睐。
 
  
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五、六堡茶相关术语表达
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5.As a National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage, what are the core characteristics of the Rucheng Incense Dragon?
  
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六堡茶 Liubao Tea
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===Answers===
  
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后发酵 Post-fermentation
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1.The widely circulated origin of the Rucheng Incense Dragon is associated with flood disasters. Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, Rucheng suffered severe floods. Local residents adopted the suggestion to "subdue the flood with fire dragons," crafting straw dragons and casting them into the water. This practice later evolved into a folk ritual for praying for safety and peace.
  
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渥堆 Wodui (Pile Fermentation)
 
  
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槟榔香 Areca Nut Aroma
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2.The foundational materials for making the Incense Dragon are rice straw, along with other local produce such as palm leaves, mao bamboo (nan bamboo), and sunflower stalks. During construction, rice straw is first braided into a thick rope hundreds of meters long, known as the "Zhaogongbian", which serves as the base framework for the dragon's body.
  
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陈香 Aged Aroma
 
  
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条索 Tea Strand
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3.The Incense Dragon dance is primarily held at night around the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first lunar month).
  
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紧压茶 Compressed Tea
 
  
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饼茶 Tea Cake
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4.The application of digital technology in contemporary inheritance is mainly reflected in two aspects: digital preservation and online dissemination. Specific measures include: utilizing three-dimensional scanning and modeling technologies to permanently record the crafting techniques and forms; creating immersive experience projects through VR (Virtual Reality) technology; and promoting the tradition via internet platforms such as short video apps and social media.
  
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砖茶 Tea Brick
 
  
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沱茶 Tuocha ( Bowl-shaped Compressed Tea)
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5.As a National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage, its core characteristics are: a framework constructed from rice straw and bamboo, the dragon's body being entirely covered with specially made incense sticks, and its performance occurring at night with the incense ignited. This creates a distinctive visual spectacle—a radiant, soaring fiery dragon—which significantly distinguishes it from more common cloth or colored dragon dance forms.
  
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杀青 Fixation (Kill-green)
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===References===
  
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揉捻 Rolling
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[1] Hu Ting, Xiao Yi, & Li Xianxiong. (2023). Exploring the cultural connotation and social functions of "Xianghuolong" from the perspective of folk sports—Based on an investigation in Rucheng, Hunan. Contemporary Sports Technology, 13(06), 113-116.
  
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干茶 Dry Tea Leaves
 
  
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茶汤 Tea Infusion
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[2] Qiu Haihong, & Hu Jianzhong. (2019). Analyzing the evolution of rural ritual sports from the perspective of "state-society" relationship theory: A study on the "Rucheng Xianghuolong" activity in Chenzhou, Hunan. Journal of Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, 31(05), 428-431+442.
  
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回甘 Sweet Aftertaste
 
  
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祛湿 Dispel Dampness
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[3] Qiu Haihong, Hu Jianzhong, & Wang Junyun. (2017). The overall form of village ritual sports: Taking Rucheng "Xianghuolong" as an example. Journal of Hengyang Normal University, 38(03), 129-133.
  
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侨销茶 Overseas Chinese Export Tea
 
  
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六、课后思考
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[4] Xu Xiaoqin, & Lei Junrong. (2010). Inheritance models of intangible cultural heritage of village folk sports: Based on an investigation of Rucheng Xianghuolong in Chenzhou. Combat (Martial Arts Science), 7(12), 96-98.
  
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1. 梧州六堡茶“侨销茶”的历史定位，与其远销东南亚的贸易路线之间存在怎样的关联？
 
  
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2. 六堡茶的“槟榔香”是在制作工艺的哪个环节形成的？不同存储时间是否会影响这一香气特征？
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[5] Yang Zhuangzhuang. (2024). Practical dilemmas and normative pathways for the inheritance and development of Rucheng Xianghuolong from the perspective of rural revitalization. Journal of Xiangnan University, 45(04), 5-9.
  
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3. 相比其他黑茶（如普洱茶、安化黑茶），六堡茶的泡茶流程在水温控制或焖泡时间上有哪些独特之处？
 
  
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4. 传统农家茶与现代工艺茶在口感、香气及适用场景上的差异，是否会影响不同消费群体对六堡茶的选择？
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==期末论文==
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===汝城香火龙===
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====介绍====
  
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5. 作为梧州地域文化符号，六堡茶在当代的文化传播中，如何平衡传统工艺传承与年轻化市场需求？
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  汝城香火龙的起源汝城县位于湖南省南部，是湘、粤、赣三省交会之地，自古便享有“鸡鸣三省，水注三江”之盛誉。2014年11月联合国地名专家组中国分部授予汝城“千年古县”称号，汝城县历史文化底蕴深厚，资源丰富，是湖南省历史文化名城。汝城“香火龙”是定于元宵节前后夜晚举行的舞龙展演活动，传布于汝城县14个乡村部落里，并于2006年列入湖南省第一批非遗名录，2008年被列入第二批国家级非遗保护项目。（胡婷 等，2023）
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  在汝城的各地方，有其各不相同的艺术类型，每个村落的传承及制作工艺也各不相同关于“汝城香火龙”的起源有多种说法，多来源于当地的民间传说，其中流传较广的是：唐弘道元年（683年），汝城县遭遇洪涝灾害，村民“以火龙降水患”，用当地常见的干稻草编扎成数条稻草龙，把点燃的草龙投入洪水之中，最终使得洪水退去，村民们得以恢复正常的生活。在此之后，汝城的村民以村落为单位，在元宵节期间举行舞“香火龙”仪式，以祈求来年的生活风调雨顺、五谷丰登。（邱海洪，胡建忠，2019）
  
−
答案：
+
====汝城香火龙的制作流程====
  
−
1.梧州六堡侨销茶以祛湿刚需绑定东南亚华工，借茶船古道入海上丝路成华南与南洋商贸文化纽带。
+
  制作汝城香火龙的材料均产自当地，包括稻草、棕榈叶、楠竹、向日葵秆等， 这些看似平常的材料，在传承人的手下却转化为令人叹为观止的艺术品。“赵公鞭”是香火龙制作的基础材料，长达数百米，直径约4厘米，是后续制作香火龙各环节的基础。
  
−
2.形成环节，其核心是在渥堆中发酵，经过陈化凸显。时间越长，槟榔香越浓郁沉稳。
+
  在传承人的制作下，“赵公鞭”依次变为龙头、龙颈、龙身及龙尾，龙头部分设计复杂，从龙角、龙嘴到龙须、龙眼，再到龙耳、龙牙、龙鼻等，每一处细节都精雕细琢，层层递进，完美呈现出龙的威严。每一节龙身都是一段拱形。龙身的制作要点是龙香的插入，匠人们沿着龙身的两侧，每隔2厘米便在“赵公鞭”上插入一支长约60厘米的龙香，用细篾片连接，形成一片片生动的龙鳞。整个龙身大约需要4万支龙香，给人带来极大的视觉冲击。在完成所有部件后，每一节龙身都将在祠堂前进行连接，用竹竿和绳索固定，再装上抬杆，使之成为可供表演使用的完整香火龙。香火龙从7拱至11拱不等，高度可达2.5~4米。（邱海洪 等，2017）
  
−
3.六堡茶需要100度的热水进行30~60秒的闷茶，老茶可以在时长控制在1~2分钟内，闷香味更浓。
+
====仪式环节====
  
−
4.传统六堡茶，香沉味醇，陈韵足，适配老茶客和收藏者。现代工艺茶，香鲜，甜润，入口适配新手，日常饮。口感香气差异，直接分流消费群体，影响选择。
+
  香火龙仪式是汝城县一年一度的重大民俗活动，深受当地民众的喜爱与重视，活动在元宵节期间举行。举办活动的村子，全村上下，男女老少，都会积极参与到这一活动中来，共同见证盛大的舞火龙仪式。
  
−
5.以梧州文化符号为锚点，六堡茶需守传统工艺之根，保留槟榔香，陈化特质。融入年轻需求之新，做便携小包泡茶，果味特调，国潮包装双线并行，既守传承又触达新客。
+
当夜幕降临时，当地村民以土炮三响为号，鼓输管弦乐器、花炮齐鸣，众人手持火把点燃龙身全部香火，整个龙体在夜幕中火光四射，熠熠生辉，在手提火绣球的小伙子的指引下，由数十个年轻人一起将它舞起。全身红光闪闪的香火龙在村镇的大街小巷来回穿梭，经过村民家时，每家每户都会点燃蜡烛、燃放鞭炮，以示迎接龙的到来，象征着好运和一年的日子红红火火，风调雨顺。（徐晓琴 ，雷军蓉，2010）
  
−
参考文献
+
表演香火龙时，有两龙（母龙和子龙）、两狮（母狮和子狮）陪随而舞，一狮在龙前引路，一狮在龙尾跟随。香火龙表演时，数十支三眼铳齐鸣，一百多名青壮年农民，身穿旧衣，将1500公斤的龙抬起来，绕祠堂舞动，然后沿村游走。香火龙的表演程序上有：翻滚、喷水、沉海底、跳跃、吞食、睡眠等动作。“沉海底”和“吞食”表演技巧上难度较高。引路和尾随的两头狮子，除各自作翻滚跳跃的动作外，还作些引龙和随龙“护驾”动作。
  
−
[1]王楚然.传承：梧州六堡茶基因里的生命力密码[N].经济参考报,2024-12-31(006). DOI:10.28419/n.cnki.njjck.2024.005108.
+
汝城舞香火龙有一套完整的程序：舞之前要到祠堂举行祭祖仪式，设案、焚香、作揖、施叩礼，这时村民一脸虔诚郑重，绝无一点嘈杂嬉闹声，仪式过后将龙抬起在祖祠前叩首三次，方可“舞龙”，沿街的人家要燃放爆竹谓之“接龙”，按规定的路线舞过后，又回到祖祠前，龙首居中，盘成三圈，村民扯香后，即烧龙谓“化龙”，“龙归天”。第二天清晨将龙灰倒入溪流中，寓“龙归大海”之意。（（徐晓琴 ，雷军蓉，2010））
  
−
[2]石秋红.论六堡茶背后的人文气息[C]//中国管理科学研究院教育科学研究所.教育理论研究与实践网络研讨会论文集（专题一）.苍梧县中等专业学校;,2022:156-161.DOI:10.26914/c.cnkihy.2022.060076.
+
====当代传承与创新====
  
−
[3]梁英环.增强茶文化认同感推进六堡茶产业发展[J].山西农经,2025,(12):42-44.DOI:10.16675/j.cnki.cn14-1065/f.2025.12.014.
+
  （一）加大政府资助和支持：资助汝城香火龙传承人开展传承活动对汝城香火龙的传承人提供资金支持，能够有效激发他们的传承动力和创新能力，有力促进香火龙文化活动的持续开展。尤其是在春节、元宵节等重要节日期间，资助香火龙的展演活动，能增加其“曝光度”，加强当地民众参与香火龙活动的热情，同时也能够有效整合资源，促进跨区域、跨领域的文化交流。（杨壮壮，2024）
  
−
[4]林少烽,邱瑞瑾,吴平,等.梧州六堡茶出口历史、现状及发展建议[J].中国茶叶,2024,46(07):62-69.
+
  （二）数字技术助力汝城香火龙传承：数字化存储汝城香火龙技艺对汝城香火龙的数字化储存，可以采取三维扫描和三维建模技术，高精度地捕捉香火龙的详细结构和复杂工艺，进而通过数字技术将其转化为动画展示，这样既能保留香火龙的传统魅力，又能使其以更加生动直观的方式呈现给公众。其次，网络化推广汝城香火龙文化互联网平台的快速传播能力能够使香火龙的艺术魅力和文化价值跨越时空界限，触达更广泛的受众群体，扩大香火龙文化的影响范围。最后关键在于传递文化价值，提升公众对香火龙文化的认知和兴趣。互联网数字平台，尤其是社交媒体和短视频平台，是香火龙文化传播的新阵地。（杨壮壮，2024）
 +
 
 +
====结语====
 +
 
 +
  汝城香火龙是流传于湖南省郴州市汝城县的传统民俗活动，被誉为“华夏第一香火龙”。作为国家级非物质文化遗产，它起源于唐代，是当地客家民众为祈福消灾而创造的独特龙舞形式。其核心特征在于以稻草、竹材为骨，通体插满特制龙香，夜间点燃舞动时宛如火龙腾飞，气势恢宏。这项活动深度融合了当地的自然崇拜、农耕文化与宗族社会结构，是研究湘南地域文化的重要活态样本。
 +
 
 +
===术语与表达===
 +
 
 +
Rucheng Incense Dragon 汝城香火龙
 +
 
 +
Dragon Dance 舞龙
 +
 
 +
Lantern Festival 元宵节
 +
 
 +
Ancestral Temple / Clan Hall 祠堂
 +
 
 +
Ancestor Worship Ceremony 祭祖仪式
 +
 
 +
Receiving the Dragon (Jie Long) 接龙
 +
 
 +
Transforming the Dragon (Hua Long) 化龙
 +
 
 +
Hakka Communities 客家人
 +
 
 +
Agrarian Culture 农耕文化
 +
 
 +
Zhaogongbian 赵公鞭
 +
 
 +
Dragon Incense Sticks (Long Xiang) 龙香
 +
 
 +
To Pray for Blessings and Ward Off Disasters 祈福消灾
 +
 
 +
===问题===
 +
1.汝城香火龙流传较广的起源和什么灾害有关？
 +
 
 +
 
 +
2.制作汝城香火龙的基础材料是什么？
 +
 
 +
 
 +
3.汝城舞香火龙主要在哪个节日举行？
 +
 
 +
 
 +
4.在当代传承与创新中，数字技术助力汝城香火龙传承主要体现在哪些方面？
 +
 
 +
 
 +
5.汝城香火龙作为国家级非物质文化遗产，其核心特征是什么？
 +
===答案===
 +
1.汝城香火龙流传较广的起源与洪涝灾害有关。相传唐朝时汝城洪水泛滥，当地民众采纳“以火龙降水患”的建议，扎制草龙投入水中，后逐渐演变为祈求平安的民俗活动。
 +
 
 +
 
 +
2.制作香火龙的基础材料是稻草以及棕叶、毛竹（楠竹）、向日葵秆等当地物产。制作时，首先会用稻草扎成数百米长的粗绳，称为 “赵公鞭” ，作为龙身骨架的基础。
 +
 
 +
 
 +
3.舞香火龙的活动主要在每年农历正月十五的元宵节前后夜间举行。
 +
 
 +
 
 +
4.数字技术在当代传承中的应用主要体现在数字化保存和网络化传播两个方面。具体包括：利用三维扫描和建模技术永久性记录制作工艺与造型；通过VR技术制作沉浸式体验项目；以及借助短视频、社交媒体等互联网平台进行推广。
 +
 
 +
 
 +
5.作为国家级非物质文化遗产，其核心特征是：以稻草、竹材扎制龙骨，在龙身通体插满特制的龙香，于夜间点燃舞动，从而形成一条火光四射、宛如真龙腾飞的壮观景象。这使其与常见的布龙、彩龙等舞龙形式显著区别开来。
 +
 
 +
===参考文献===
 +
[1]胡婷,肖钛 & 李先雄.(2023).民俗体育视野下“香火龙”的文化内涵及社会功能探析——基于湖南汝城调查.当代体育科技,13(06),113-116.
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 +
 
 +
[2]邱海洪 & 胡建忠.(2019).从“国家——社会”关系理论视角分析乡村仪式性体育的变迁:湖南郴州“汝城香火龙”活动研究.首都体育学院学报,31(05),428-431+442.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[3]邱海洪,胡建忠 & 王俊云.(2017).村落仪式性体育的整体形制——以汝城“香火龙”为例.衡阳师范学院学报,38(03),129-133.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[4]徐晓琴 & 雷军蓉.(2010).村落民俗体育非物质文化遗产的传承模式——以郴州汝城香火龙考察为例.搏击(武术科学),7(12),96-98.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[5]杨壮壮.(2024).乡村振兴视域下汝城香火龙传承发展的实然困境与应然路径.湘南学院学报,45(04),5-9.

Revision as of 16:45, 4 February 2026

Final Paper

Rucheng Incense Dragon

Introduction

Rucheng County is located in southern Hunan Province, at the confluence of Hunan, Guangdong, and Jiangxi provinces, and has long enjoyed the reputation of "the crow of a rooster heard in three provinces, waters flowing into three rivers." In November 2014, the China Division of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names conferred upon Rucheng the title of "Millennium-Old County." Rucheng County possesses profound historical and cultural heritage and abundant resources, making it a Famous Historical and Cultural City in Hunan Province. Rucheng Incense Dragon is a dragon dance performance activity held on nights around the Lantern Festival. It is practiced in 14 villages and townships within Rucheng County. It was included in the first batch of Hunan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2006 and designated as a national-level intangible cultural heritage protection project in the second batch in 2008. (Hu Ting et al., 2023)


Within different localities of Rucheng, there exist varying artistic forms, and the inheritance and crafting techniques also differ from village to village. There are multiple narratives regarding the origin of "Rucheng Incense Dragon," mostly stemming from local folklore. One widely circulated legend states: In the first year of the Hongdao era of the Tang Dynasty (683 AD), Rucheng County suffered from flood disasters. Villagers "used fire dragons to subdue the flood," weaving dried rice straw, commonly found locally, into several straw dragons. They set these straw dragons alight and cast them into the floodwaters, eventually causing the floods to recede and allowing villagers to resume normal life. Thereafter, villagers in Rucheng, organized by village, began holding Xianghuolong dance rituals during the Lantern Festival period to pray for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and peace in the coming year. (Qiu Haihong & Hu Jianzhong, 2019)

Production Process of Rucheng Incense Dragon

The materials used to make Rucheng Incense Dragon are all locally sourced, including rice straw, palm leaves, nan bamboo, sunflower stalks, etc. These seemingly ordinary materials are transformed by inheritors into breathtaking works of art. "Zhaogongbian" is the foundational material for making the Xianghuolong. It consists of strips hundreds of meters long and approximately 4 centimeters in diameter, serving as the base for all subsequent stages of the dragon's construction. Under the craftsmen's hands, the "Zhaogongbian" is sequentially shaped into the dragon's head, neck, body, and tail. The dragon head section features complex design, with every detail—from the horns, mouth, and whiskers to the eyes, ears, teeth, and nose—meticulously carved and layered, perfectly presenting the dragon's majesty. Each segment of the dragon body forms an arch. A key point in crafting the body is the insertion of dragon incense sticks. Artisans insert incense sticks, each about 60 cm long, into the "Zhaogongbian" at intervals of about 2 cm along both sides of the dragon body, connecting them with thin bamboo strips to form vivid scales. The entire dragon body requires approximately 40,000 incense sticks, creating a tremendous visual impact. After completing all components, each body segment is connected in front of the ancestral temple, fixed with bamboo poles and ropes, and fitted with carrying poles, forming a complete Xianghuolong ready for performance. The Xianghuolong can consist of 7 to 11 arches and reach a height of 2.5 to 4 meters. (Qiu Haihong et al., 2017)

Ritual Procedures

The Rucheng Incense Dragon ritual is a major annual folk event deeply cherished and valued by the local populace of Rucheng County. The activity is held during the Lantern Festival period. In villages hosting the event, everyone, young and old, actively participates, collectively witnessing the grand dragon dance ceremony.


As night falls, local villagers signal the start with three blasts from local cannons. Drums, gongs, wind and string instruments, and firecrackers sound in unison. Participants holding torches light all the incense inserted into the dragon's body. The entire dragon, now ablaze with fire, radiates and glitters in the night. Guided by a young man holding a fiery embroidered ball, dozens of young men lift and begin to dance the dragon. The Incense Dragon, glowing a radiant red, weaves through the streets and alleys of the villages and towns. When passing households, each family lights candles and sets off firecrackers to welcome the dragon's arrival, symbolizing good luck and a prosperous, auspicious year with favorable weather. (Xu Xiaoqin & Lei Junrong, 2010) During the Incense Dragon performance, two dragons (a mother dragon and a child dragon) and two lions (a mother lion and a child lion) accompany the dance. One lion leads in front of the dragon, and another follows at the tail. Dozens of "Three-Eyed Cannons" fire simultaneously during the performance. Over one hundred young and middle-aged farmers, dressed in old clothes, lift the dragon, which weighs approximately 1,500 kilograms. They first dance it around the ancestral temple and then parade it along the village paths. The performance includes a sequence of movements such as rolling, spraying water, submerging to the "sea floor," jumping, swallowing, and sleeping. The "submerging" and "swallowing" movements are particularly technically challenging. The leading and following lions perform their own rolls and jumps in addition to actions that guide and protect the dragon ("escorting the dragon").


The Rucheng Incense Dragon dance follows a complete, prescribed procedure: Before the dance, a ceremony worshipping ancestors is held in the ancestral temple, involving setting up an altar, burning incense, bowing with hands folded, and performing kowtows. During this time, villagers maintain an air of solemn reverence, with no noise. After the ceremony, the dragon is lifted and kowtows three times in front of the ancestral hall before the "dragon dance" commences. Households along the street set off firecrackers, a practice known as "receiving the dragon" (Jie Long). After following the prescribed route, the dragon returns to the front of the ancestral temple. The dragon's head is positioned centrally as the body coils into three circles. Villagers then pluck out the remaining incense sticks, and the dragon frame is burned in a ritual called "transforming the dragon" (Hua Long), signifying "the dragon returns to heaven." Early the next morning, the ashes are poured into a stream, symbolizing "the dragon returns to the great sea." (Xu Xiaoqin & Lei Junrong, 2010)

Contemporary Inheritance and Innovation

(I) Increasing Government Funding and Support: Providing financial assistance to inheritors of the Rucheng Incense Dragon for carrying out transmission activities can effectively stimulate their motivation for safeguarding and their capacity for innovation, thereby strongly promoting the sustainable development of Incense Dragon cultural activities. Especially during important festivals such as the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, funding exhibition performances can increase its visibility, enhance local community enthusiasm for participation, and also effectively integrate resources to foster cross-regional and interdisciplinary cultural exchanges. (Yang Zhuangzhuang, 2024)


(II) Digital Technology Assisting the Inheritance of the Rucheng Incense Dragon: For the digital preservation of Rucheng Incense Dragon craftsmanship, technologies such as 3D scanning and 3D modeling can be employed to capture the detailed structure and complex techniques with high precision. Subsequently, digital technology can transform this data into animated presentations. This approach can both preserve the traditional charm of the Incense Dragon and present it to the public in a more vivid and intuitive manner. Secondly, promoting Rucheng Incense Dragon culture through online platforms leverages the rapid dissemination power of the internet, enabling the artistic charm and cultural value of the Incense Dragon to transcend temporal and spatial boundaries, reach a wider audience, and expand its cultural influence. The key lies in conveying its cultural value to enhance public awareness and interest in Incense Dragon culture. Internet digital platforms, especially social media and short video platforms, represent new frontiers for disseminating this cultural heritage. (Yang Zhuangzhuang, 2024)

Conclusion

In the arrangement order of the zodiac, the ancients’ understanding of the laws of nature is hidden. Judging from the living habits of animals, mice are active at night, which corresponds to the time of day; Cows will ruminate when they are ugly, which corresponds to ugliness; The tiger is the fiercest. This way of “matching time with animal habits” embodies the ancient idea of “harmony between man and nature”-human beings and nature are not antagonistic, but interdependent and harmonious. The zodiac signs bind time, animals and people’s lives together, reflecting the ancient people’s survival wisdom of adapting to and using nature. In addition, the zodiac animals include mammals, reptiles, birds and even imaginary animal dragons, but they can coexist harmoniously, which shows that the ancients have a tolerant and respectful attitude towards all kinds of creatures; In the zodiac, the dragon, as the only deity, represents heaven and earth, and it is the ancient people’s worship of nature and the condensation of imagination. Fuxi Nuwa’s snake-face, which is often seen in Han portraits, and the snake, as one of the zodiac animals, are often connected with the spirit of creation, which is also full of worship for nature.

Terms and Expressions

Rucheng Incense Dragon 汝城香火龙

Dragon Dance 舞龙

Lantern Festival 元宵节

Ancestral Temple / Clan Hall 祠堂

Ancestor Worship Ceremony 祭祖仪式

Receiving the Dragon (Jie Long) 接龙

Transforming the Dragon (Hua Long) 化龙

Hakka Communities 客家人

Agrarian Culture 农耕文化

Zhaogongbian 赵公鞭

Dragon Incense Sticks (Long Xiang) 龙香

To Pray for Blessings and Ward Off Disasters 祈福消灾

Questions=

1.What disaster is the widely circulated origin of the Rucheng Incense Dragon associated with?


2.What is the foundational material for making the Rucheng Incense Dragon?


3.During which festival is the Rucheng Incense Dragon primarily performed?


4.In contemporary inheritance and innovation, in which aspects is digital technology primarily applied to assist the inheritance of the Rucheng Incense Dragon?


5.As a National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage, what are the core characteristics of the Rucheng Incense Dragon?

Answers

1.The widely circulated origin of the Rucheng Incense Dragon is associated with flood disasters. Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, Rucheng suffered severe floods. Local residents adopted the suggestion to "subdue the flood with fire dragons," crafting straw dragons and casting them into the water. This practice later evolved into a folk ritual for praying for safety and peace.


2.The foundational materials for making the Incense Dragon are rice straw, along with other local produce such as palm leaves, mao bamboo (nan bamboo), and sunflower stalks. During construction, rice straw is first braided into a thick rope hundreds of meters long, known as the "Zhaogongbian", which serves as the base framework for the dragon's body.


3.The Incense Dragon dance is primarily held at night around the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first lunar month).


4.The application of digital technology in contemporary inheritance is mainly reflected in two aspects: digital preservation and online dissemination. Specific measures include: utilizing three-dimensional scanning and modeling technologies to permanently record the crafting techniques and forms; creating immersive experience projects through VR (Virtual Reality) technology; and promoting the tradition via internet platforms such as short video apps and social media.


5.As a National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage, its core characteristics are: a framework constructed from rice straw and bamboo, the dragon's body being entirely covered with specially made incense sticks, and its performance occurring at night with the incense ignited. This creates a distinctive visual spectacle—a radiant, soaring fiery dragon—which significantly distinguishes it from more common cloth or colored dragon dance forms.

References

[1] Hu Ting, Xiao Yi, & Li Xianxiong. (2023). Exploring the cultural connotation and social functions of "Xianghuolong" from the perspective of folk sports—Based on an investigation in Rucheng, Hunan. Contemporary Sports Technology, 13(06), 113-116.


[2] Qiu Haihong, & Hu Jianzhong. (2019). Analyzing the evolution of rural ritual sports from the perspective of "state-society" relationship theory: A study on the "Rucheng Xianghuolong" activity in Chenzhou, Hunan. Journal of Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, 31(05), 428-431+442.


[3] Qiu Haihong, Hu Jianzhong, & Wang Junyun. (2017). The overall form of village ritual sports: Taking Rucheng "Xianghuolong" as an example. Journal of Hengyang Normal University, 38(03), 129-133.


[4] Xu Xiaoqin, & Lei Junrong. (2010). Inheritance models of intangible cultural heritage of village folk sports: Based on an investigation of Rucheng Xianghuolong in Chenzhou. Combat (Martial Arts Science), 7(12), 96-98.


[5] Yang Zhuangzhuang. (2024). Practical dilemmas and normative pathways for the inheritance and development of Rucheng Xianghuolong from the perspective of rural revitalization. Journal of Xiangnan University, 45(04), 5-9.


期末论文

汝城香火龙

介绍

 汝城香火龙的起源汝城县位于湖南省南部，是湘、粤、赣三省交会之地，自古便享有“鸡鸣三省，水注三江”之盛誉。2014年11月联合国地名专家组中国分部授予汝城“千年古县”称号，汝城县历史文化底蕴深厚，资源丰富，是湖南省历史文化名城。汝城“香火龙”是定于元宵节前后夜晚举行的舞龙展演活动，传布于汝城县14个乡村部落里，并于2006年列入湖南省第一批非遗名录，2008年被列入第二批国家级非遗保护项目。（胡婷 等，2023）

 在汝城的各地方，有其各不相同的艺术类型，每个村落的传承及制作工艺也各不相同关于“汝城香火龙”的起源有多种说法，多来源于当地的民间传说，其中流传较广的是：唐弘道元年（683年），汝城县遭遇洪涝灾害，村民“以火龙降水患”，用当地常见的干稻草编扎成数条稻草龙，把点燃的草龙投入洪水之中，最终使得洪水退去，村民们得以恢复正常的生活。在此之后，汝城的村民以村落为单位，在元宵节期间举行舞“香火龙”仪式，以祈求来年的生活风调雨顺、五谷丰登。（邱海洪，胡建忠，2019）

汝城香火龙的制作流程

 制作汝城香火龙的材料均产自当地，包括稻草、棕榈叶、楠竹、向日葵秆等， 这些看似平常的材料，在传承人的手下却转化为令人叹为观止的艺术品。“赵公鞭”是香火龙制作的基础材料，长达数百米，直径约4厘米，是后续制作香火龙各环节的基础。

 在传承人的制作下，“赵公鞭”依次变为龙头、龙颈、龙身及龙尾，龙头部分设计复杂，从龙角、龙嘴到龙须、龙眼，再到龙耳、龙牙、龙鼻等，每一处细节都精雕细琢，层层递进，完美呈现出龙的威严。每一节龙身都是一段拱形。龙身的制作要点是龙香的插入，匠人们沿着龙身的两侧，每隔2厘米便在“赵公鞭”上插入一支长约60厘米的龙香，用细篾片连接，形成一片片生动的龙鳞。整个龙身大约需要4万支龙香，给人带来极大的视觉冲击。在完成所有部件后，每一节龙身都将在祠堂前进行连接，用竹竿和绳索固定，再装上抬杆，使之成为可供表演使用的完整香火龙。香火龙从7拱至11拱不等，高度可达2.5~4米。（邱海洪 等，2017）

仪式环节

 香火龙仪式是汝城县一年一度的重大民俗活动，深受当地民众的喜爱与重视，活动在元宵节期间举行。举办活动的村子，全村上下，男女老少，都会积极参与到这一活动中来，共同见证盛大的舞火龙仪式。

当夜幕降临时，当地村民以土炮三响为号，鼓输管弦乐器、花炮齐鸣，众人手持火把点燃龙身全部香火，整个龙体在夜幕中火光四射，熠熠生辉，在手提火绣球的小伙子的指引下，由数十个年轻人一起将它舞起。全身红光闪闪的香火龙在村镇的大街小巷来回穿梭，经过村民家时，每家每户都会点燃蜡烛、燃放鞭炮，以示迎接龙的到来，象征着好运和一年的日子红红火火，风调雨顺。（徐晓琴 ，雷军蓉，2010）

表演香火龙时，有两龙（母龙和子龙）、两狮（母狮和子狮）陪随而舞，一狮在龙前引路，一狮在龙尾跟随。香火龙表演时，数十支三眼铳齐鸣，一百多名青壮年农民，身穿旧衣，将1500公斤的龙抬起来，绕祠堂舞动，然后沿村游走。香火龙的表演程序上有：翻滚、喷水、沉海底、跳跃、吞食、睡眠等动作。“沉海底”和“吞食”表演技巧上难度较高。引路和尾随的两头狮子，除各自作翻滚跳跃的动作外，还作些引龙和随龙“护驾”动作。

汝城舞香火龙有一套完整的程序：舞之前要到祠堂举行祭祖仪式，设案、焚香、作揖、施叩礼，这时村民一脸虔诚郑重，绝无一点嘈杂嬉闹声，仪式过后将龙抬起在祖祠前叩首三次，方可“舞龙”，沿街的人家要燃放爆竹谓之“接龙”，按规定的路线舞过后，又回到祖祠前，龙首居中，盘成三圈，村民扯香后，即烧龙谓“化龙”，“龙归天”。第二天清晨将龙灰倒入溪流中，寓“龙归大海”之意。（（徐晓琴 ，雷军蓉，2010））

当代传承与创新

 （一）加大政府资助和支持：资助汝城香火龙传承人开展传承活动对汝城香火龙的传承人提供资金支持，能够有效激发他们的传承动力和创新能力，有力促进香火龙文化活动的持续开展。尤其是在春节、元宵节等重要节日期间，资助香火龙的展演活动，能增加其“曝光度”，加强当地民众参与香火龙活动的热情，同时也能够有效整合资源，促进跨区域、跨领域的文化交流。（杨壮壮，2024）

 （二）数字技术助力汝城香火龙传承：数字化存储汝城香火龙技艺对汝城香火龙的数字化储存，可以采取三维扫描和三维建模技术，高精度地捕捉香火龙的详细结构和复杂工艺，进而通过数字技术将其转化为动画展示，这样既能保留香火龙的传统魅力，又能使其以更加生动直观的方式呈现给公众。其次，网络化推广汝城香火龙文化互联网平台的快速传播能力能够使香火龙的艺术魅力和文化价值跨越时空界限，触达更广泛的受众群体，扩大香火龙文化的影响范围。最后关键在于传递文化价值，提升公众对香火龙文化的认知和兴趣。互联网数字平台，尤其是社交媒体和短视频平台，是香火龙文化传播的新阵地。（杨壮壮，2024）

结语

 汝城香火龙是流传于湖南省郴州市汝城县的传统民俗活动，被誉为“华夏第一香火龙”。作为国家级非物质文化遗产，它起源于唐代，是当地客家民众为祈福消灾而创造的独特龙舞形式。其核心特征在于以稻草、竹材为骨，通体插满特制龙香，夜间点燃舞动时宛如火龙腾飞，气势恢宏。这项活动深度融合了当地的自然崇拜、农耕文化与宗族社会结构，是研究湘南地域文化的重要活态样本。

术语与表达

Rucheng Incense Dragon 汝城香火龙

Dragon Dance 舞龙

Lantern Festival 元宵节

Ancestral Temple / Clan Hall 祠堂

Ancestor Worship Ceremony 祭祖仪式

Receiving the Dragon (Jie Long) 接龙

Transforming the Dragon (Hua Long) 化龙

Hakka Communities 客家人

Agrarian Culture 农耕文化

Zhaogongbian 赵公鞭

Dragon Incense Sticks (Long Xiang) 龙香

To Pray for Blessings and Ward Off Disasters 祈福消灾

问题

1.汝城香火龙流传较广的起源和什么灾害有关？


2.制作汝城香火龙的基础材料是什么？


3.汝城舞香火龙主要在哪个节日举行？


4.在当代传承与创新中，数字技术助力汝城香火龙传承主要体现在哪些方面？


5.汝城香火龙作为国家级非物质文化遗产，其核心特征是什么？

答案

1.汝城香火龙流传较广的起源与洪涝灾害有关。相传唐朝时汝城洪水泛滥，当地民众采纳“以火龙降水患”的建议，扎制草龙投入水中，后逐渐演变为祈求平安的民俗活动。


2.制作香火龙的基础材料是稻草以及棕叶、毛竹（楠竹）、向日葵秆等当地物产。制作时，首先会用稻草扎成数百米长的粗绳，称为 “赵公鞭” ，作为龙身骨架的基础。


3.舞香火龙的活动主要在每年农历正月十五的元宵节前后夜间举行。


4.数字技术在当代传承中的应用主要体现在数字化保存和网络化传播两个方面。具体包括：利用三维扫描和建模技术永久性记录制作工艺与造型；通过VR技术制作沉浸式体验项目；以及借助短视频、社交媒体等互联网平台进行推广。


5.作为国家级非物质文化遗产，其核心特征是：以稻草、竹材扎制龙骨，在龙身通体插满特制的龙香，于夜间点燃舞动，从而形成一条火光四射、宛如真龙腾飞的壮观景象。这使其与常见的布龙、彩龙等舞龙形式显著区别开来。

参考文献

[1]胡婷,肖钛 & 李先雄.(2023).民俗体育视野下“香火龙”的文化内涵及社会功能探析——基于湖南汝城调查.当代体育科技,13(06),113-116.


[2]邱海洪 & 胡建忠.(2019).从“国家——社会”关系理论视角分析乡村仪式性体育的变迁:湖南郴州“汝城香火龙”活动研究.首都体育学院学报,31(05),428-431+442.


[3]邱海洪,胡建忠 & 王俊云.(2017).村落仪式性体育的整体形制——以汝城“香火龙”为例.衡阳师范学院学报,38(03),129-133.


[4]徐晓琴 & 雷军蓉.(2010).村落民俗体育非物质文化遗产的传承模式——以郴州汝城香火龙考察为例.搏击(武术科学),7(12),96-98.


[5]杨壮壮.(2024).乡村振兴视域下汝城香火龙传承发展的实然困境与应然路径.湘南学院学报,45(04),5-9.

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