The Dragon Boat Festival in English
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is one of the most significant traditional festivals in China. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth month according to the lunar calendar, which usually corresponds to late May or early June in the Gregorian calendar. This festival has a history that dates back over 2,000 years and is celebrated not only in China but also in other countries with Chinese communities.
The origins of the Dragon Boat Festival are steeped in legend and tradition. One popular story tells of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the Warring States period who drowned himself in the Miluo River after his country was conquered. The local people, moved by his loyalty and love for his homeland, rowed out on boats to search for him and threw rice dumplings into the river to prevent fish from eating his body. Over time, this act evolved into dragon boat races and the consumption of zongzi (rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves).
Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is marked by various activities. The highlight is undoubtedly the dragon boat races, where teams compete fiercely to paddle their colorful boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. These races symbolize the efforts made by the villagers to save Qu Yuan. Meanwhile, families gather to enjoy zongzi, which comes in many flavors such as sweet, salty, or filled with meat, depending on regional preferences. Other customs include hanging calamus and moxa at home to ward off evil spirits and drinking realgar wine to promote health.
In recent years, the Dragon Boat Festival has gained international recognition. Cities around the world host dragon boat races, attracting participants and spectators alike. This festival serves as a reminder of cultural heritage and unity, bringing people together across borders through shared traditions and values. Whether you're racing boats, savoring zongzi, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, the Dragon Boat Festival offers an opportunity to celebrate both history and community spirit.