The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Jie, is a traditional holiday with deep cultural roots in China and among Chinese communities around the world. This year, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on June 10, 2024, which is next Monday, and we will have a holiday to celebrate.

Historical Background

The Dragon Boat Festival is believed to have originated from the Warring States period in China, over 2,000 years ago. It is traditionally associated with the legend of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and loyal minister in the state of Chu. Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River after his country was conquered by a rival state. The local people, who admired him greatly, raced their boats to the river in an attempt to save him or recover his body. They also threw rice dumplings (zongzi) into the water to prevent fish from eating his body. This legend is at the heart of the Dragon Boat Festival, which commemorates Qu Yuan's loyalty and sacrifice.

Festival Customs

The Dragon Boat Festival is rich with various customs and traditions, each with its unique significance. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boat racing is one of the most exciting and widely practiced customs of the festival. Teams of rowers paddle in unison to the beat of drums, racing to reach the finish line first. These races symbolize the search for Qu Yuan's body and the community's efforts to save him. Dragon boat races are not only a competitive sport but also a vibrant cultural event that fosters teamwork and community spirit.

Eating Zongzi

Zongzi, a traditional Chinese food, is an essential part of the Dragon Boat Festival. These are glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, typically filled with various ingredients such as red beans, dates, meat, or egg yolks. Eating zongzi commemorates the act of throwing rice into the river to distract the fish from Qu Yuan's body. This practice has evolved into a beloved culinary tradition, with families making and enjoying zongzi together.

Hanging Mugwort and Calamus

On the Dragon Boat Festival, people hang branches of mugwort and calamus on their doors and windows. These plants are believed to ward off evil spirits and insects, promoting health and well-being. Mugwort and calamus are also used in traditional Chinese medicine for their healing properties.

Wearing Five-Color Threads

The custom of wearing five-color threads, known as "wusi xian," symbolizes protection and good luck. The threads, usually in red, yellow, blue, white, and black, are tied around the wrists, ankles, or necks of children. It is believed that these threads help to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Drinking Realgar Wine

Realgar wine is a traditional alcoholic beverage consumed during the Dragon Boat Festival. It is believed to have medicinal properties and is thought to repel insects and ward off evil spirits. Drinking realgar wine is a way to cleanse the body and spirit, ensuring good health throughout the year.

The Significance of Zongzi

Zongzi, with its rich history and cultural significance, is more than just a festive treat. These rice dumplings represent the enduring spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival and the Chinese people's respect for their traditions and ancestors. The making of zongzi is often a communal activity, bringing families and communities together. The intricate process of wrapping the rice and filling in bamboo leaves requires skill and patience, reflecting the values of diligence and craftsmanship.

In contemporary celebrations, zongzi come in various shapes and flavors, reflecting regional diversity and innovation in Chinese cuisine. Despite these variations, the essence of zongzi remains the same—a symbol of cultural heritage and a tribute to the legacy of Qu Yuan.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant and meaningful celebration that honors ancient traditions and promotes community bonding. Through customs such as dragon boat racing, eating zongzi, and hanging mugwort, this festival continues to enrich Chinese culture and bring people together in a spirit of unity and reverence for the past.