The Dragon Boat Festival: A Celebration of History, Customs, and Traditions
Origins and Folklore
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu, has been celebrated in China for over 2,000 years. Legend has it that it commemorates the death of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in a river after his loyal advice was ignored by the emperor. In his memory, locals raced dragon boats to retrieve his body, and the tradition has continued ever since.
Customs and Traditions
The festival is marked by a number of customs and traditions, including:
- Dragon boat racing: Teams compete in long, narrow boats adorned with dragon heads and tails.
- Zongzi: Pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumplings filled with various sweet or savory ingredients.
- Mugwort baths: People bathe in mugwort water, believed to have medicinal properties.
- Qu Yuan poems: Passages from Qu Yuan's poems are recited to honor his memory.
Learn More and Celebrate
To learn more about the history, customs, and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, visit libraries, explore online resources, or attend local events. You can also enjoy the festival by participating in dragon boat races, making zongzi with family and friends, and sharing the story of Qu Yuan with younger generations.
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