龍りゅう天てんに登のぼる

expression

dragon ascending to heaven; rise of the dragon bringing spring rain

A set phrase from classical Chinese lore, referring to the dragon's ascent around the spring equinox, believed to bring rain. Used in literary or poetic contexts to evoke seasonal change or auspicious beginnings.

• 春しゅん分ぶんの頃ころ、龍りゅう天てんに登のぼると言いわれ、農のう家かは雨あめを待まち望のぞむ。

  Around the spring equinox, it is said the dragon ascends to heaven, and farmers long for rain.