Dragon Boat Festival: A Cultural Treasure Inherited for Thousands of Years

Views: 59     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2024-06-11      Origin: Site

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duan Yang Festival and Chong Wu Festival, is one of China's important traditional festivals, held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month every year. This festival has a history of more than 2,000 years. It is not only widely celebrated in China, but also valued in some other East Asian countries and regions. The Dragon Boat Festival not only contains rich cultural connotations, but also carries a deep historical memory.


Origin and Legend

There are many theories about the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival, the most widely circulated of which is the legend of commemorating Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a famous poet and politician of the Chu State during the Warring States Period. He was forced into exile because he was excluded by powerful officials. After learning that his country was about to be invaded, Qu Yuan, filled with national hatred and public indignation, committed suicide by jumping into the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. In order to commemorate this patriotic poet, people rowed boats on the river and threw zongzi into the river in order to disperse the fish and shrimp in the water to prevent them from invading Qu Yuan's body. This is the origin of dragon boat racing and eating zongzi.


In addition to commemorating Qu Yuan, there are other origin legends of the Dragon Boat Festival, such as commemorating Wu Zixu, a doctor of the State of Wu, and Cao E, a filial daughter, saving her father, etc., but these legends have little influence among the people and are relatively unknown.


Customs and Activities

The customs of the Dragon Boat Festival are rich and colorful, mainly including eating zongzi, dragon boat racing, hanging mugwort and calamus, drinking realgar wine, etc.


Eating Zongzi

Zongzi is the most representative food of the Dragon Boat Festival. Zongzi is made of glutinous rice, red beans, dates, etc. as the main ingredients, wrapped in bamboo leaves or zong leaves, and steamed. Zongzi in different regions have their own characteristics, such as jujube zongzi in the north, meat zongzi in the south, sweet zongzi and salty zongzi, which all reflect the diversity of local food culture.


Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boat racing is one of the most lively activities of the Dragon Boat Festival. In rivers and lakes, the gorgeously decorated dragon boats are moving forward with the sound of drums and trumpets. The participating teams are striving to be the first, and the scene is fierce and spectacular. It is not only a competitive sport, but also a symbol of spiritual culture. Dragon boat racing not only reflects the spirit of teamwork, but also expresses respect for the predecessors and the yearning for a better life.


Hanging mugwort and calamus

On the Dragon Boat Festival, people often hang mugwort and calamus at the door. These two plants have the effect of repelling mosquitoes and insects, cooling and detoxifying, and are believed to be able to drive away evil spirits and avoid disasters, and protect the safety of the home.


Drinking realgar wine

Realgar wine is a medicinal wine made from realgar. The ancients believed that it has the effect of driving away poison and evil spirits. Although modern medicine no longer recommends drinking realgar wine, this custom is still retained in some areas and has been given more cultural symbolic meanings.


Cultural and modern significance

The Dragon Boat Festival is not only a traditional festival, but also an important part of Chinese culture. Through various customs and activities, it conveys the spirit of patriotism, the values of unity and cooperation, and the pursuit of a healthy life. In modern society, the celebrations of the Dragon Boat Festival not only retain traditional elements, but also incorporate the characteristics of modern life, such as dragon boat races, cultural exhibitions, and food festivals held in various places, giving this ancient festival a new vitality.


In short, the Dragon Boat Festival, as a treasure of Chinese culture, is not only a remembrance of history, but also a cultural heritage. By celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival, people can not only feel the joy of the festival, but also deeply understand and identify with the profound heritage and unique charm of Chinese culture.


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