The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the calendar, which usually falls in June. The festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is widely celebrated in China and other Asian countries
The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated to commemorate life and death of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and statesman of ancient China. Qu Yuan lived during the Warring States period and was known for his patriotism and loyalty to his kingdom. When his kingdom was conquered, Qu Yuan chose to drown himself in the Miluo River as an act of despair and protest against the corruption of the government.
To prevent fish from consuming Qu Yuan's body, people threw rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves (known as zongzi) into the river as an offering. They also beat drums and raced dragon boats to scare away evil spirits and ensure that Qu Yuan's spirit would rest in peace.
Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated with dragon boat races, where teams of rowers paddle in long narrow boats to the beat of drums. It is also a time for families to come together, enjoy zongzi, and participate in various cultural activities. The festival is not only a way to honor Qu Yuan's memory but also a time for people to celebrate Chinese culture, teamwork, and community spirit.
