An elderly man performing Zhamajiao(扎马角), Beijing， 1920s. "Zhamajiao" is a traditional folk ritual originating in northern China. Performed during droughts, it involved piercing one's scalp with needles to draw blood, symbolizing a plea for rain. Over time, it evolved into a public spectacle, often linked to temple fairs, blending spirituality with communal entertainment. By the mid-20th century, the practice declined due to modernization and shifting beliefs. Today, it survives only as a rare cultural relic, occasionally revived in folk festivals. As a local intangible heritage, Zhamajiao reflects historical resilience and communal identity, offering insight into how rituals adapt—or fade—in changing societies.