Dragon Boat Festival
May 31, Saturday
Historical Background
Qu Yuan was a loyal minister of the state of Chu. When he was exiled due to political intrigue, he wrote many passionate poems expressing his love for his country. Upon learning that his state had been conquered, he drowned himself in the Miluo River. The local people, who admired him, raced out in boats to try to save him or recover his body. They also threw rice into the water to feed the fish and keep them from eating his body. These acts are said to be the origin of the dragon boat races and the custom of eating zongzi.
Key Traditions
The Dragon Boat Festival is marked by several important customs:
- Dragon Boat Racing: Teams paddle elaborately decorated boats shaped like dragons in competitive races. This is the most iconic activity of the festival.
- Eating Zongzi: These are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, often filled with meats, beans, or egg yolks.
- Hanging Mugwort and Calamus: These plants are hung on doors to ward off evil spirits and disease.
- Wearing Perfume Pouches: Children often wear small pouches filled with fragrant herbs to protect against illness.
- Drinking Realgar Wine: Traditionally believed to repel insects and evil spirits.
Modern Celebrations
Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is a public holiday in China and is also celebrated in other parts of Asia, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and among Chinese communities worldwide. While the festival retains its traditional elements, modern celebrations may also include cultural performances, food fairs, and community events.
UNESCO Recognition
In 2009, the Dragon Boat Festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance and the importance of preserving its traditions.