Dragon Boat Festival in China

Date: The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duanwu Jie (端午节) in Chinese, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the traditional lunar calendar.

History: The festival has ancient roots and commemorates the life and death of the famous Chinese scholar Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BC). Qu Yuan was a minister who advocated for reforms in his state of Chu. When he was banished for opposing alliance with a powerful state, he composed many poems expressing his concern for his country. Ultimately, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River as a form of protest against corruption and injustice.

Legend has it that locals raced out in their boats to save him or at least retrieve his body. When they could not find him, they dropped balls of sticky rice into the river so that fish would eat them instead of Qu Yuan's body.

Traditions:

• Dragon Boat Racing: The highlight is dragon boat racing, where teams paddle elaborately decorated boats to the beat of heavy drums. This symbolizes the attempt to rescue and search for Qu Yuan.
• Eating Zongzi: People eat zongzi, which are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. This tradition stems from the offerings made to distract fish from Qu Yuan's body.
• Hanging Calamus and Artemisia: These herbs are hung on doors and windows to ward off evil spirits and diseases.
• Wearing Perfume Pouches: Children may wear perfume pouches around their necks for good health and protection from evil.
• Drinking Realgar Wine: This practice is less common nowadays but was traditionally believed to prevent disease and repel evil spirits.

On this day, communities come together to watch or participate in races, make zongzi, enjoy family gatherings, and engage in various cultural activities intended to invoke good health and fortune while honoring an ancient patriotic poet.