The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the calendar, which usually falls in May or June. The festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is widely celebrated in China, as well as in other parts of Asia.
The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated to commemorate the ancient poet and statesman Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BCE), who was a loyal minister during the Warring States period in Chinese history. Qu Yuan was known for his patriotic spirit and his commitment to the welfare of his country. However, he was exiled due to political intrigue and drowned himself in the Miluo River.
As the story goes, after Qu Yuan's death, local fishermen and villagers raced their boats on the river to search for his body and to prevent fish and evil spirits from devouring it. They beat drums and splashed their oars in the water to scare away the creatures. Today, these boat races are a central part of the Dragon Boat Festival celebrations.
There are several customs associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. One of the most well-known customs is the consumption of zongzi, which are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. These dumplings are usually filled with various ingredients such as beans, meat, and nuts. They are eaten as a traditional food during the festival and are offered to the river as a symbol of respect for Qu Yuan.
Another custom is hanging up iris leaves and wormwood around houses to ward off evil spirits and diseases. People also decorate their homes with colorful silk threads, make and wear colorful silk threads, and make and wear silk thread bracelets, believed to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits.
Overall, the Dragon Boat Festival is a time for communities to come together, commemorate a historical figure, and celebrate Chinese culture through dragon boat races, traditional food, and various customs and activities.
