WHAT’S THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL？
The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the calendar. It has a rich and is associated with several legends and customs.
The festival's origin dates back over 2,000 years to the Warring period in ancient China. One popular legend is that the festival commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and statesman during the Zhou dynasty. Qu Yuan was exiled due to political intrigue and, feeling great sorrow for his country, drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in 278 BC.
Villagers who admired Qu Yuan rushed to the river in their boats, trying to find his body and prevent fish from devouring it. To keep the fish away, they beat drums and threw rice dumplings wrapped in leaves into the water. This act of remembrance and protection eventually evolved into the tradition of dragon boat races and eating zongzi, the pyramid-shaped rice dumplings.
Dragon boat races have become the highlight of the festival. Teams of rowers paddle vigorously in long narrow boats, often adorned with dragon-shaped heads and tails. The rhythmic beating of drums accompanies the races to emulate the villagers' attempts to rescue Qu Yuan.
Eating zongzi is another integral part of the Dragon Boat Festival. These sticky rice dumplings are traditionally filled with various ingredients like beans, nuts, and meats and then wrapped in bamboo leaves. The dumplings are steamed or boiled for several hours, resulting in a delicious treat with a rich and savory flavor.
Beyond its historical origins, the Dragon Boat Festival is also associated with warding off evil spirits and increasing good luck. People hang up pouches containing herbs and other medicinal plants on their doors to ward off evil spirits and diseases. They also wear colorful threads and tie them around their wrists to bless themselves with good fortune and protection.
In recent years, the Dragon Boat Festival has gained international recognition, and dragon boat races are held in various countries around the world. The festival serves as a reminder of Chinese culture and traditions and has become an occasion for people of different backgrounds to come together and celebrate.
By the way, we will on Dragon Boat Festival's holiday from June.8th to 10th, 2024. Thank you!
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