The Dragon Boat Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Chinese Culture
Origins and Traditions
The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duanwu Jie in Mandarin, is an ancient Chinese holiday steeped in tradition. Its origins date back to the Warring States period (475-221 BCE) and the tragic story of Qu Yuan, a poet and statesman who drowned in the Miluo River after being slandered.
Racing Boats and Commemorating Qu Yuan
To commemorate Qu Yuan's passing, dragon boat races are held during the festival. These races feature long, narrow boats decorated with dragon heads and tails, symbolizing strength and courage. The races are believed to represent the villagers' attempts to rescue Qu Yuan.
Eating Zongzi and Other Delicacies
Zongzi, glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in leaves, are another integral part of the festival. The sticky rice symbolizes unity, while the leaves protect the rice from the water. Other traditional treats include realgar wine, believed to ward off evil spirits, and salted duck eggs.
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