Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday. The festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is celebrated with various customs and activities.

When is Dragon Boat Festival?

The Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Since the Chinese lunar calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar, the date of the Dragon Boat Festival varies from year to year on the Gregorian calendar. In most cases, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in June on the Gregorian calendar.

The following is the list of Dragon Boat Festival from 2024 to 2028.

The History of Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival has a history dating back over 2,000 years and is one of China's most traditional and celebrated holidays. Its origins are deeply rooted in both historical events and legends.

The Dragon Boat Festival is primarily associated with the patriotic poet and statesman Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States Period of ancient China. Qu Yuan was a loyal minister and poet in the state of Chu. He was known for his loyalty and patriotism, which he expressed through his poetry.

Qu Yuan's political career was marked by struggles and disappointments. When his advice was repeatedly ignored, he went into self-imposed exile. During this time, he composed many of his famous poems. Eventually, in 278 BC, Qu Yuan learned that his home state of Chu had been conquered by the state of Qin. Overwhelmed with despair, he drowned himself in the Miluo River as a form of protest.

According to legend, the local people admired and respected Qu Yuan so much that they rushed to the river in boats to search for him after hearing of his suicide. To prevent his body from being eaten by fish, they threw rice dumplings into the river and beat drums to scare away evil spirits. This is said to be the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival's customs, including dragon boat races and the consumption of zongzi.

Dragon boat races are a central part of the festival and are said to symbolize the search for Qu Yuan's body. Teams of rowers paddle long, narrow boats adorned with dragon heads and tails, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere.

Over the centuries, the Dragon Boat Festival has evolved and become a holiday that blends historical significance, cultural traditions and festive activities. It is celebrated not only in China but also in many other countries with Chinese communities.

What People Do on Dragon Boat Festival?

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated with various customs and activities in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. Here's how people might observe this day:

• Dragon Boat Races: Dragon boat races are the most iconic and central activity of the festival. Teams of rowers paddle long, narrow boats adorned with dragon heads and tails in races held in rivers and other bodies of water. These races are both competitive sports and a spectacle for spectators.
• Eating Zongzi: Zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with a variety of ingredients, are a traditional food of the Dragon Boat Festival. People make and share zongzi with family and friends.
• Hanging Mugwort: It is common to hang bundles of mugwort on doorways and windows during the festival. These aromatic plants are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good health.
• Outdoor Activities: Families often take the opportunity to go on outings, have picnics, and enjoy the outdoors, as the festival typically falls in the early summer when the weather is pleasant.
• Wearing Silk Threads: In some regions, people wear silk threads of various colors, which are believed to provide protection against diseases and misfortune. These threads are often tied around the wrists or worn as bracelets.
• Educational and Cultural Events: In addition to traditional customs, many educational and cultural events are organized to promote the history and significance of the Dragon Boat Festival. These may include lectures, exhibitions and performances.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant and culturally significant holiday that combines traditional customs with recreational activities.

Who Was Qu Yuan (屈原)?

Qu Yuan (屈原) was a famous Chinese poet and statesman who lived during the Warring States Period of ancient China, approximately from 340 to 278 BC. He is celebrated for his loyalty, patriotism, and contributions to Chinese literature. Qu Yuan is primarily associated with the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival), which commemorates his life and contributions.

Qu Yuan served as a minister and advisor in the state of Chu, one of the Warring States during a time of political upheaval and conflict in ancient China. He was known for his integrity and commitment to the Chu state.

Qu Yuan is best known for his poetry, which expressed his love for his country and his concern for its welfare. His most famous work is "Li Sao" (离骚), often translated as "The Lament," a long poem in which he laments the political corruption and strife in his time.

Qu Yuan's political career was marked by struggles and disappointments. When his advice was repeatedly ignored, and his state fell into turmoil, he went into self-imposed exile. During this time, he composed many of his famous poems, including "Li Sao." Eventually, in 278 BC, Qu Yuan learned that his home state of Chu had been conquered by the state of Qin. Overwhelmed with despair and unable to bear the news, he drowned himself in the Miluo River as a form of protest and as a final act of loyalty to his country.

After Qu Yuan's suicide, local people rushed to the river in boats to search for his body. They threw rice dumplings into the river and beat drums to scare away evil spirits, hoping to protect his body from being eaten by fish. This is said to be the origin of customs associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, including dragon boat races and the consumption of zongzi.

Qu Yuan is revered as a symbol of loyalty, patriotism, and devotion to one's country. His poetry and legacy have had a profound influence on Chinese literature and culture. He is often regarded as one of the greatest poets in Chinese history, and his contributions are celebrated during the Dragon Boat Festival. Qu Yuan's life and poetry continue to be remembered and honored during the Dragon Boat Festival, which is observed in China and among Chinese communities around the world.