TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taoist priest Yeh Chun-Nan (葉峻男) was invited by the National Science and Technology Council to recreate a traditional “rice dragon,” a ritual artwork historically used to mark the completion of temples and buildings.

Yeh, who also holds a degree in art, completed the rice dragon on Saturday, which fell on the second day of the second month in the lunar calendar. This auspicious day, known as "the day the dragon raises its head" (龍抬頭), signifies the start of spring when farmers traditionally begin replanting their fields.

A veteran rice dragon creator, Yeh used two types of rice to form the dragon’s body in a style similar to sand painting. Coins were placed to resemble dragon scales, while bowls and plates were used to shape the dragon’s facial features, per CNA.

Yeh said the auspicious day is also the birthday of the Land God, and since ancient times, "dragons" had a close relationship with the land. It is said whenever renovation work is begun, it is an act that disturbs the land and also disturbs the Dragon God.

Yeh said that making a rice dragon appeases such dragon gods after the completion of a project. The rice dragon is used to call back the Dragon God so that he can continue to protect the land and prevent invasion by evil spirits.

Rice symbolizes food, and people use it to hope for a prosperous future. In terms of decoration, wealthy families in ancient times would also use silver to represent dragon scales.

As his family runs a temple, Yeh is very familiar with traditional rituals, and his training in art and design has led him to create innovative work. He believes that creating the rice dragon can interest more people in Taoist culture and customs.