The Dragon Boat Festival, also know as Duan Wu Festival, is an ancient Chinese festival with a history of hundreds of years. This year the festival falls on June 22, and people across the country are eagerly preparing to celebrate the auspicious occasion.
The Dragon Boat Festival is believed to have originated during the Warring period in ancient China. It is named after Qu Yuan, a statesman and poet of Chu State. Qu Yuan is famous for loving the country and serving the country.
This festival is celebrated to commemorate Qu Yuan and honor his spirit. According to legend, after Qu Yuan was exiled and his country was invaded, he was so sad that he threw himself into the Miluo River. The local people admired him very much, and they took boats to the place where he drowned to find his body, and held a proper burial for him. It is said that this is the origin of the dragon boat races that are still held today.
One of the highlights of the Dragon Boat Festival is the exciting dragon boat races. Traditional dragon boats, decorated with brightly colored heads and tails, are rowed into the water by teams of rowers struggling to paddle to the sound of drums. The game is not only a thrilling event, but also a symbol of unity and teamwork.
Besides racing, another important aspect of this festival is eating zongzi. These dumplings are made of sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and various fillings such as meat, beans or nuts. They are then boiled or steamed to perfection. Zongzi is an important part of the Dragon Boat Festival as it is believed to be thrown into the river to feed the fish to prevent them from devouring Qu Yuan’s body.
While dragon boat racing and zongzi are the most well-known traditions associated with the festival, there are several other customs and ceremonies during the period. One of the traditions is to hang herbs and spices such as wormwood and calamus on house doors to ward off evil spirits and promote good health. It is also common for people to wear colored silk threads and tie them around their wrists for good luck.
In recent years, the Dragon Boat Festival has gained international recognition and has become a popular tourist attraction. Many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, have embraced the vibrant festival and now host their own dragon boat races. These events not only showcase China’s rich cultural heritage, but also provide a platform for promoting international friendship and understanding.
Now, traditions are often forgotten or ignored, the Dragon Boat Festival is a testament to the enduring power of ancient customs. It reminds people of the importance of solidarity, teamwork and preserving cultural heritage. So, as the dragon boats sail into the water and the aroma of rice dumplings fills the air, let’s join in the joyful celebration and embrace the spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Post time: Jun-22-2023