Dragon Boat Festival: History, Traditions, and Symbolism

Origins and History

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duānwǔ Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that has been celebrated for over 2,000 years. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which typically occurs in late May or early June on the Gregorian calendar. The festival is said to have originated from the story of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who drowned himself in the Miluo River after being slandered by corrupt officials during the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). In order to prevent his body from being eaten by fish, people beat drums and threw rice dumplings into the river to distract them.

Traditions and Customs

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated with various traditions and customs, including:

• Dragon boat races: Dragon boat races are the most iconic tradition of the festival. Teams of paddlers compete in long, narrow boats decorated with dragon heads and tails.
• Eating zongzi: Zongzi are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. They are filled with various ingredients such as meat, beans, and vegetables.
• Drinking realgar wine: Realgar wine is a traditional Chinese wine made with realgar, a mineral compound. It is believed to have medicinal properties and ward off evil spirits.
• Hanging calamus and wormwood: Calamus and wormwood are fragrant herbs that are hung on doors and windows to keep evil spirits away.

Symbolism

The Dragon Boat Festival is rich in symbolism:

• Dragons: Dragons are mythical creatures that symbolize strength, power, and good fortune.
• Zongzi: Zongzi represent unity and family. The sticky rice represents sticking together, while the bamboo leaves symbolize protection.
• Realgar wine: Realgar wine represents good health and protection from evil.
• Calamus and wormwood: These herbs represent warding off evil spirits and protecting against disease.