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 10th in the year 2024 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 Dragon Boat Festival --- Qu Yuan
The origin of the Dragon Boat Festival is closely associated with Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period of ancient China. Legend has it that Qu Yuan was an outstanding politician and literary figure. However, discontent with the internal turmoil of the Chu State, he chose to drown himself in the Miluo River as an act of protest, making him a symbol of loyalty and patriotism. To commemorate Qu Yuan, people annually race dragon boats on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month to honor and remember him.
What to Do on the Dragon Boat Festival? --- Traditional Customs
Eating Zongzi: Zongzi is a traditional food for the Dragon Boat Festival, made of glutinous rice and various fillings wrapped in bamboo leaves. It is believed that eating zongzi can ward off evil spirits and bless one with peace and health.
Dragon Boat Racing: Dragon boat racing is a significant activity during the Dragon Boat Festival. People organize dragon boat teams and compete in races to commemorate the story of Qu Yuan's suicide by drowning and to pray for good weather and peace.
Hanging Artemisia and Calamus: During the Dragon Boat Festival, people hang artemisia and calamus, which is believed to ward off evil spirits and bless families with health and well-being. Artemisia and calamus are also symbolic of fragrance and auspiciousness.
Wearing Fragrant Sachets: In some regions, people wear fragrant sachets during the Dragon Boat Festival. These sachets contain spices and herbs, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and safety.
Wearing Five-Colored Threads: In some places, people wear five-colored threads during the Dragon Boat Festival, believed to drive away diseases and disasters and bless one with health and safety.
Why do we celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival? --- Cultural Inheritance and Reunion
The significance of the Dragon Boat Festival lies in its inheritance and promotion of intangible cultural heritage. It is not only a holiday commemorating historical figures, but also an important moment for family reunion and praying for health and peace. Through these activities, people express their nostalgia for the past and their hopes for a better future. The cultural connotation of the Dragon Boat Festival is rich, covering ancient astronomical culture, humanities, philosophy, and other aspects, embodying profound cultural values. Since 2008, the Dragon Boat Festival has been designated as a national statutory holiday, and in 2009, it was even included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming an important symbol of Chinese culture.
At last, SinoCultural wishes you and your family a joyful gathering and wonderful moments during the Dragon Boat Festival. May you have health, happiness, and peace throughout this festival season.
