Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year. It is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals, which commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a patriotic Chinese poet. The festival is celebrated by Dragon Boat races, eating Zongzi, and wearing fragrant sachets. Here are some ways to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival.
One of the main highlights of the Dragon Boat Festival is the Dragon Boat Races. It is a thrilling event as teams of paddlers race their colorful dragon boats to the rhythm of drums. The Dragon Boat Races have ancient origins and are held in various locations around the world, but they are most popular in China. Watching the races is a must-do activity during the festival.
Zongzi is a traditional Chinese dish made of glutinous rice, stuffed with meat, vegetables or sweet fillings, and wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. It is a staple food during the Dragon Boat Festival and is believed to have originated from Qu Yuan who drowned himself in the river. Legend has it that the local villagers threw Zongzi into the river to distract the fish from eating Qu Yuan's body. Eating Zongzi is an essential part of the festival, and many families make their own.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, people make fragrant sachets, which are small bags filled with various fragrant materials, including wormwood leaves, calamus roots, and other perfumed herbs. These sachets are worn around the necks or hung in houses to ward off evil spirits and diseases. They are also believed to bring good luck and fortune. Making fragrant sachets is a fun activity that you can do with your family and friends during the festival.
The Dragon Boat Festival is a time for family gatherings and traditions. From watching dragon boat races to eating delicious Zongzi and making fragrant sachets, there are many ways to celebrate this festival. Whether you are in China or elsewhere in the world, try to participate in some of these activities to experience the rich culture and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival.
