Dragon Boat Festival

Qing Dynasty Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival (Chinese: 端午节; Pinyin: Duānwǔ Jié), also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional and statutory holiday celebrated in China and other East Asian countries. The festival is commemorated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the traditional Chinese calendar, which usually falls in June according to the Gregorian calendar. It is a day to honor the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest against political corruption. The festival has been celebrated for over 2000 years and is marked by eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), drinking realgar wine (xionghuangjiu), and racing dragon boats.

Origins and History

The origins of the Dragon Boat Festival are traditionally linked to the life and death of Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BC), a poet and statesman of the ancient Chu state during the Warring States period of China. Distraught by the capture of his state's capital by a rival state, Qu Yuan committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River. It is said that the local people, who admired him, raced out in their boats to save him or at least retrieve his body. When they could not find him, they dropped balls of sticky rice into the river so that the fish would eat them instead of Qu Yuan's body. This is believed to be the origin of zongzi and dragon boat racing.

Customs and Practices

1. 1. 1. Dragon Boat Racing###

Dragon boat racing is the most exciting and anticipated event of the festival. Teams paddle in unison to the beat of a drum in boats that are traditionally decorated to look like dragons. The races are both a competitive sport and a ritual to avert misfortune and encourage the rains needed for crops.

1. 1. 1. Eating Zongzi###

Zongzi is another central aspect of the festival. These are glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves and filled with various ingredients, such as meat, peanuts, or egg yolks. Making and eating zongzi is a way to commemorate Qu Yuan and celebrate the festival.

1. 1. 1. Hanging Calamus and Mugwort###

Hanging calamus and mugwort on doors and windows is believed to ward off evil spirits and diseases. This custom is based on the ancient practice of using these herbs to purify the air and promote health.

Significance

The Dragon Boat Festival is a time for protecting against evil and disease, promoting health and well-being, and strengthening the bonds of the community. It is a reflection of the Chinese people's attachment to their history and traditions, as well as their love for festivals and communal activities.

Modern Celebrations

Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated not only in China but also in other countries with significant Chinese populations, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. The festival has also gained popularity in the West, with dragon boat races held in cities across the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.