Dragon Boat Festival: Everything To know

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Jie or Tuen Ng Festival, is a vibrant and time-honored Chinese holiday that holds deep cultural significance. Let’s explore the origins, traditions, and festivities associated with this remarkable occasion.

Origins

• Qu Yuan’s Sacrifice:
  • The festival commemorates Qu Yuan, a revered Chinese poet and statesman from the Warring States period.
  • Also In protest, he drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (June 27, 278 BC).

Traditions and Customs

1. Dragon Boat Races:
   • The beating heart of the festival lies in dragon boat races.
   • Teams of paddlers, synchronized to the rhythm of drums, also compete in long, narrow boats adorned with dragon heads and tails.
   • These races symbolize unity, teamwork, and also the spirit of overcoming adversity.

2. Zongzi: Sticky Rice Dumplings:
   • Families prepare and share zongzi during the festival.
   • Zongzi are pyramid-shaped dumplings made of glutinous rice, also wrapped in bamboo leaves.
   • The shape represents the boats used to search for Qu Yuan’s body in the river.

3. Also Mugwort and Calamus:
   • People hang mugwort and calamus leaves on their doors or windows.

Races:

• • Dragon boat races are a central part of the celebration. Teams paddle vigorously in beautifully decorated boats to the beat of drums, competing for victory.

Global Celebrations

1. Hong Kong:
   • The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races take place at Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade/Victoria Harbour.
   • Thousands of dragon boat athletes from around the world compete, and also spectators cheer for their favorite teams.

2. Singapore:
   • Singapore hosts a prestigious and international-standard dragon boat competition at Bedok Reservoir.
   • Families gather to enjoy the races, traditional rituals, and also Chinese delicacies.

3. Beyond Asia:
   • Dragon Boat Festival has transcended borders and is celebrated in cities like Denver (U.S.), Vancouver (Canada), and also Wellington (New Zealand).
   • People of diverse backgrounds come together to embrace the spirit of unity and cultural exchange.

Upcoming Event

• Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races:
  • Date: June 15–16, 2024 (Saturday and Sunday).
  • Also Location: Set against the majestic backdrop of Victoria Harbour.