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The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is one of the important traditional festivals in Chinese culture. Every year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (which falls on June 19th in the year 2026 according to Beijing time), people gather together to celebrate this ancient and beautiful festival. The Dragon Boat Festival is not only a commemoration of the ancient patriotic poet Qu Yuan, but also a reflection of the national culture and spirit of unity.
The Origin of the Duanwu Festival --- Qu Yuan
The origin of the Duanwu Festival is closely associated with Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and statesman from the State of Chu during the Warring States Period. According to legend, Qu Yuan was deeply loyal to his country, but after facing political frustration and exile, he drowned himself in the Miluo River.
Local people rushed out in boats to search for him. They also threw rice into the river, hoping to protect his body from fish. Over time, these acts of remembrance became connected with two of the festival’s most iconic traditions: dragon boat racing and eating zongzi.
Today, Qu Yuan is remembered not only as a poet, but also as a symbol of loyalty, integrity, and love for one’s homeland.
What to Do on the Duanwu Festival? --- Traditional Customs
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Eating Zongzi: Zongzi is the most iconic food of the Dragon Boat Festival. It is made with glutinous rice, wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, and filled with ingredients such as red beans, dates, pork, salted egg yolk, or mushrooms. In many families, eating zongzi is more than enjoying a festive food. It is also a way to remember Qu Yuan and to share blessings of health and peace.
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Making Zongzi: Making zongzi is one of the most heartwarming traditions of the Duanwu Festival. Family members often prepare the leaves, soak the rice, choose the fillings, and wrap each zongzi by hand. The process may look simple, but it requires patience and skill: the leaves must be folded into shape, the rice and fillings placed carefully inside, and the bundle tied firmly with string before being boiled or steamed. For many people, the joy of making zongzi lies not only in the food itself, but also in the time spent together with family. Each handmade zongzi carries a taste of home, memory, and tradition.
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Dragon Boat Racing: Dragon boat racing is one of the most exciting activities during the festival. Long boats decorated like dragons are rowed by teams in rhythm with drumbeats. This custom is often linked to the story of people rowing out to search for Qu Yuan. Today, dragon boat racing has become a lively celebration of teamwork, courage, and community spirit.
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Hanging Artemisia and Calamus: During the Duanwu Festival, many families hang artemisia and calamus near their doors. In traditional belief, these fragrant plants help ward off evil spirits and protect the household from illness. They also reflect people’s wishes for health and safety during the summer season.
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Wearing Fragrant Sachets: In some regions, children and adults wear small fragrant sachets filled with herbs and spices. These sachets are believed to bring protection, peace, and good health. With their colorful embroidery and delicate fragrance, they also add a beautiful festive touch to the celebration.
Why do we celebrate the Duanwu Festival? --- Cultural Inheritance and Reunion
The meaning of the Duanwu Festival goes beyond a single legend. It is a festival of remembrance, protection, family reunion, and cultural continuity. Through dragon boat racing, eating zongzi, hanging herbs, wearing sachets, and tying five-colored threads, people express both respect for the past and hope for a peaceful future.
The Dragon Boat Festival also represents the beauty of Chinese intangible cultural heritage. Its customs combine history, food, seasonal rituals, craftsmanship, and family traditions. In 2009, the Dragon Boat Festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, making it an important symbol of Chinese culture on the world stage.
At last, SinoCultural wishes you and your family a joyful gathering and wonderful moments during the Duanwu Festival. May you have health, happiness, and peace throughout this festival season.
