The Custom of the Dragon Boat Festival

2 min read

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the grandest festivals in China.The Dragon Boat Festival,the 5th day of the 5th lunar month,has had a history of more than 2,000 years and now becomes one of the national statutory holidays.It is usually in June in the Gregorian calendar.

The story best known in China holds that the festival is to commemorate the death of Qu Yuan.Qu Yuan was a minister of the State of Chu situated in present Hunan and Hubei provinces, during the Warring States Period.He was upright,loyal and highly Esteemed for his wise counsel that brought peace and prosperity to the state.However,when a dishonest and corrunt prince vilified Qu Yuan,he was disgraced and dismissed from office,Realizing that the country was now in the hands of evil and corrupt officials,Qu Yuan grabbed a large stone and leapt into the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth mon .It’s said that the local people,who admired him,raced out in their boats to save him.This is said to have been the origin of dragon boat races.

Three of the most widespread activities for the Dragon Boat Festival are eating rice dumpling,drinking realgar wine, and racing dragon boats.

The Dragon Boat Festival is best known for its dragon-boat races.A typical dragon boat ranges from 50 to 100 feet in length, accommodating two lines of paddlers seated side by side.A wooden dragon head is attached at the bow,and a dragon tail at the stern .A drummer seated in the front set the pace for the paddlers. All of the noise and pageantry creates an atmosphere of gaiety and excitement for the participants and spectators.The races are held among different villages or organizations,and the winners are awarded medals,banners,jugs of wine and festive meals.