The Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival in Chinese, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth month according to the lunar calendar and has been celebrated for over 2,000 years.
The festival is steeped in history and legend. One of the most famous stories associated with it involves Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the Warring States period. Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River after his kingdom fell. The local people, who deeply respected him, paddled out on boats to try and save him but failed. To prevent fish from eating his body, they threw rice dumplings into the river. This act evolved into the tradition of eating zongzi during the festival today.
Another important custom is dragon boat racing. Teams race their long, narrow boats decorated with colorful dragon heads and tails. These races symbolize the efforts of the villagers to rescue Qu Yuan. The intense competition and excitement of dragon boat races have made them popular not only in China but also around the world.
In addition to these traditions, people often hang calamus and moxa leaves at their doors to ward off evil spirits. Families gather together to enjoy time together, sharing delicious food like zongzi and drinking realgar wine.
The Dragon Boat Festival is more than just a holiday; it’s a celebration of loyalty, patriotism, and family values. Its rich cultural heritage continues to be cherished by generations across the globe.