Dragon Boat Festival
May 31, Saturday
Qu Yuan lived during the Warring States period and served as an advisor to the state of Chu. Due to the machinations of his enemies, Qu Yuan was sent into exile. When the state of Chu was attacked and its capital was captured, Qu Yuan, depressed by the defeat of his people, committed suicide by throwing himself into the Miluo River. The locals, having learned of his death, immediately rushed to the scene of the tragedy in boats, trying to find his body. They beat the water with oars to drive away fish and evil spirits, and threw rice balls into the water to distract the fish from the poet's body. Since then, dragon boat races and zongzi have been held in his memory.
These boats, decorated with dragon heads and tails, are usually up to 20-30 meters long, and can accommodate teams of 20 or more people. Each team member rows an oar in time with a drummer, who sets the rhythm. The competition itself is not only a sporting event, but also a spiritual one, associated with calling on spirits to protect the community and bring prosperity.
The Dragon Boat Festival also has many rituals that are associated with protection from diseases and evil spirits, which is the most ancient element of the festival. On Duanwu, Chinese people hang amulets of mugwort and iris on their doors to ward off evil spirits and illness. It is also popular to drink Atsorus wine and wear protective bracelets made of colored threads on the wrists and ankles.