The Dragon Boat Festival in English

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival in Chinese, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. This festival carries deep cultural significance and has been observed for over 2,000 years.

One of the most iconic traditions during the Dragon Boat Festival is dragon boat racing. Teams of rowers paddle their brightly decorated boats in sync to the rhythm of drums, creating an exciting spectacle that attracts participants and spectators alike. The races symbolize the legend of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who drowned himself in the Miluo River after being exiled by his king. Local fishermen raced out onto the water in their boats to save him but failed. To honor his memory, people throw rice dumplings (zongzi) into the river to feed the fish so they wouldn't eat Qu Yuan's body.

Zongzi, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, is another staple of the festival. Depending on the region, zongzi can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as red bean paste, meat, peanuts, or chestnuts. Families gather together to make these delicacies, passing down recipes from generation to generation. In addition to zongzi, people also wear colorful silk threads called "five-color threads" around their wrists, believing it will ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Another tradition involves hanging calamus and moxa herbs at home entrances. These plants are thought to have protective powers against disease and misfortune. Children often wear sachets filled with fragrant herbs, which serve both decorative and medicinal purposes.

In modern times, the Dragon Boat Festival continues to be celebrated not only in China but also in other countries where Chinese communities reside. International dragon boat races and cultural events are held annually, allowing people worldwide to experience the rich heritage of this ancient festival. Through food, customs, and activities, the Dragon Boat Festival serves as a reminder of China’s long history and its enduring traditions.