Why We Celebrate Dragon Boat Festival?

Every year, there’s a lively celebration of Dragon Boat Festival that bursts with color and excitement in China and in Chinese communities all over the world. But what’s the reason for all the fun? This amazing event is filled with heart-pounding races, yummy food, and age-old customs. Let’s discover the story behind this special day!

When is the Dragon Boat Festival?

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. This usually falls in late May or early June on the Gregorian calendar.

How Did the Dragon Boat Festival Start?

It started over 2000 years ago during the Warring States period of China. This special event is usually celebrated to remember the life and passing of a well-known scholar from China named Qu Yuan. He was a loyal minister who cared deeply for his state and people. When the king allied with a corrupt, powerful state, Qu Yuan protested and was exiled. During his exile, Qu Yuan spent a lot of time writing of poetry. Today, he is regarded as one of China’s earliest and greatest poets

Why We Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival

This Event is a time to honor the memory of Qu Yuan. It’s said that upon hearing of his state’s capture, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River. People who lived in the same place as Qu Yuan really looked up to him. When he needed help, they jumped in their boats and rowed as fast as they could to try and rescue him. If they couldn’t save him, they at least wanted to bring his body back. 

This is thought to be the beginning of the boat races we see today. When they couldn’t find his body, they threw balls of sticky rice into the water. They did this so the fish would eat the rice instead of Qu Yuan. 

This is a special day where we remember Qu Yuan, watch exciting boat races, and throw rice into the water for the fish. 

What is the Purpose of the Dragon Boat Festival?

It serves multiple purposes. It acts as a time to remember and respect Qu Yuan, but it’s also a time to ward off evil spirits and disease, as the 5th lunar month is considered an unlucky month. More modernly, it’s a time for dragon boat races and eating zongzi.

How Do You Celebrate?

Festival is celebrated with various activities. The most notable ones are dragon boat racing and eating zongzi. It’s common to wear silk pouches filled with herbs to ward off evil spirits. Here are some of the highlights:

• Thrilling Dragon Boat Races: Teams of paddlers race long, ornately decorated boats shaped like dragons. The atmosphere is electric with cheers and the rhythmic drumming that keeps the paddlers in sync. You can find dragon boat races held in rivers, lakes, and even harbors around the world!
• Zongzi Delights: No Celebration is complete without indulging in zongzi (粽子). These pyramid-shaped parcels are made of sticky rice stuffed with savory or sweet fillings, wrapped in bamboo leaves, and cooked. They are a delicious and symbolic food, thought to represent the efforts made to retrieve Qu Yuan’s body from the river.
• Warding Off Evil Spirits: Traditionally, people believed that the fifth day of the fifth lunar month was an unlucky day. To ward off evil spirits, people hung fragrant herbs like mugwort and calamus over their doors. This custom is still practiced in some places today.
• Wearing the Colors of Luck: During the festival, it’s common to see people wearing clothes and accessories in red and yellow. These colors are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil.
• Enjoying the Spectacle: This special day is a happy time. You’ll often see lion dances, shows by local people, and bright displays that make the day even more fun.

Ideas and Simple Ways to Celebrate

Even if you don’t live near a dragon boat race, you can still celebrate at home! Here are some fun ideas:

• Make your own zongzi: Find a recipe online and have a family fun day wrapping and cooking these delicious treats. You can experiment with different fillings like sweet red bean paste or savory pork and peanuts.
• Have a dragon boat race… on land!: Grab some chairs or cardboard boxes and have a playful race around your house or backyard. Decorate your “boats” with colorful paper and get creative!
• Learn about Qu Yuan: Read stories or poems about Qu Yuan and discuss the importance of patriotism and bravery.
• Learn a few basic dragon dance moves: There are many online tutorials that can teach you some simple dragon dance steps.

Dragon Boat Festival Quotes

“The Dragon Boat Festival is a celebration of heritage, community, and the enduring human spirit.” – [佚名 Yì Míng] (Unknown)

“The sound of the drums and the roar of the crowd, the Dragon Boat Festival brings us all together.” – [Li Lang, fictional character]

Dragon Boat Festival Activities

Apart from dragon boat racing and eating zongzi, other activities include:

• Try your hand at calligraphy: Chinese calligraphy is a beautiful art form. There are many resources online or at your local library where you can learn to write some basic Chinese characters associated with the Dragon Boat Fun Fair, like “dragon” (龙 lóng) or “festival” (节 jié).
• Color a dragon boat! Find a coloring page online featuring a dragon boat and unleash your creativity. You can even make your own dragon boat design and color it in.
• Listen to traditional Chinese music: This Event often features traditional Chinese music performances. Look online or see if there are any local events happening near you where you can experience the beautiful sounds of Chinese instruments like the erhu (a two-stringed fiddle) or the pipa (a lute).
• Learn a few simple Chinese phrases: A few basic greetings in Mandarin Chinese, like “你好吗 (nǐ hǎo ma)” (Hello?) or “谢谢 (xiè xie)” (Thank you) can go a long way in showing appreciation for the cultural significance.

A Festival that Travels the World

The Dragon Boat Eventl has transcended its Chinese origins and is now celebrated by Chinese communities around the world. From Singapore and Malaysia to Canada and the United States, the thunderous drumbeats and colorful dragon boats bring people together to celebrate their heritage.

A Celebration of Remembrance and Celebration

It’s a unique blend of history, tradition, and vibrant celebration. It’s a day to remember the patriotic spirit of Qu Yuan, enjoy delicious food, participate in exciting races, and celebrate Chinese culture. 

So, next time you see a dragon boat race, remember the fascinating story behind it, and maybe even try making your own zongzi or learning a few basic dragon dance moves. Join the festivities and experience the rich traditions of the Festival!