Overview of the Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China, celebrated annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It has a rich history and is filled with various customs and activities. This festival is not only a time for family reunions and festive gatherings but also a time to honor the ancient hero Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River to protest corruption in the state.
Historical Background
The Dragon Boat Festival has its origins in the memory of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and statesman of the Warring States period (475–221 BC). Qu Yuan was a loyal minister who was falsely accused and exiled by his king. Devastated by the corruption and decline of his country, Qu Yuan eventually drowned himself in the Miluo River. According to legend, the people of his hometown paddled out in boats to search for his body and threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fish, so they would not eat Qu Yuan’s body.
Customs and Activities
Dragon Boat Racing
The most famous activity of the Dragon Boat Festival is dragon boat racing. Teams of rowers, often in colorful dragon-shaped boats, compete in long, narrow boats. The rowers synchronize their efforts, and the boat is steered by a drummer who beats a drum to keep the rhythm. Dragon boat racing is not only a sport but also a way to honor Qu Yuan and his spirit.
Eating Rice Dumplings
Rice dumplings, also known as zongzi, are a traditional food associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. These dumplings are made of glutinous rice stuffed with various fillings, such as red bean paste, lotus seed, or meat. They are wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. Eating zongzi is believed to be a way to pay tribute to Qu Yuan and to keep fish from eating his body.
Hanging Calamus
Calamus, a type of grass, is hung in the house during the Dragon Boat Festival. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Calamus is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Drinking Realgar Wine
Realgar wine, made from realgar (a red mineral), is another custom associated with the festival. It is believed to have healing properties and is used to prevent diseases.
Wearing Periwinkle
Periwinkle, a type of flower, is worn as an amulet during the Dragon Boat Festival. It is believed to protect against evil spirits and to bring good fortune.
Conclusion
The Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant and important part of Chinese culture, with its rich history and customs that have been passed down through generations. It is a time for celebration, remembrance, and the strengthening of community bonds. Whether through dragon boat racing, eating zongzi, or participating in other traditional activities, the Dragon Boat Festival continues to be a cherished tradition in China and among Chinese communities around the world.