Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival in Mandarin Chinese, is a vibrant traditional holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Due to the lunisolar nature of the calendar, the date of the festival varies each year on the Gregorian calendar. It is known by different names depending on the region and language, including the Double Fifth Festival and Tuen Ng Festival.

The festival boasts a rich history and culture, with multiple origin stories linked to notable figures such as Qu Yuan, Wu Zixu, and Cao E. The most famous legend revolves around Qu Yuan, a poet and minister who, in despair, drowned himself in the Miluo River. Today, the festival is celebrated with thrilling dragon boat races, the enjoyment of zongzi (traditional rice dumplings), and the drinking of realgar wine.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a public holiday in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, and it is also observed by Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, the festival’s customs and activities have been lovingly preserved and handed down through generations.

Beyond the dragon boat races and zongzi, the festival includes other fascinating traditions such as hanging icons of Zhong Kui (a deity known for warding off evil spirits), braiding colorful silk threads on children’s wrists, and engaging in games like trying to make eggs stand upright. These customs are believed to protect against evil spirits, promote good health, and celebrate the arrival of summer.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a tapestry of ancient traditions and modern festivities, cherished across different regions and communities for its cultural and historical richness.