Dragon Boat Festival Traditions
Dragon Boat Festival Traditions
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It is celebrated to commemorate the life and death of the famous Chinese poet and minister Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States period.
Here are some of the traditions associated with the Dragon Boat Festival:
Dragon Boat Racing: One of the most popular traditions of the festival is the dragon boat racing. Teams of rowers compete in long, narrow boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. The race is accompanied by the beating of drums and the cheering of spectators.
Eating Zongzi: Zongzi is a traditional Chinese food made of glutinous rice stuffed with different fillings such as pork, beans, and egg yolk, wrapped in bamboo leaves, and steamed or boiled. It is a staple food during the Dragon Boat Festival.
Drinking Realgar Wine: Realgar wine is a traditional Chinese wine made by soaking realgar, a type of arsenic sulfide, in rice wine. It is believed to have medicinal properties and is consumed during the festival to ward off evil spirits and diseases.
Hanging Calamus and Wormwood: Calamus and wormwood are two types of aromatic plants that are believed to have insect-repelling properties. During the festival, people hang them on their doors and windows to ward off insects and evil spirits.
Wearing Perfumed Pouches: Perfumed pouches, also known as sachets, are small bags filled with fragrant herbs and spices. They are worn around the neck or hung on clothes to ward off evil spirits and diseases.
Displaying Qu Yuan’s Portrait: Qu Yuan is the central figure of the Dragon Boat Festival. His portrait is displayed in homes and public places to pay tribute to his life and contributions to Chinese culture.
Taking a Bath with Mugwort Leaves: Mugwort leaves are believed to have medicinal properties and are used in traditional Chinese medicine. During the festival, people take a bath with mugwort leaves to cleanse their bodies and ward off diseases.