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There are many traditional festivals in China, and the Dragon Boat Festival is one of them.Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday with a significant cultural and historical importance. Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, it holds a special place both in China and among Chinese communities worldwide.Today, let's explore the customs of the Dragon Boat Festival together!
1.The origin of the Dragon Boat Festival
According to legend, there was a loyal and patriotic poet named Qu Yuan during ancient times in China. He served as a minister and literary figure in the state of Chu. Due to political corruption and external threats, Qu Yuan became deeply disappointed and hopeless. Eventually, on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, he chose to end his life by drowning himself in the river as an act of loyalty and despair towards his country and its people.
In order to prevent fish, shrimp, dragons, and other aquatic creatures from harming Qu Yuan's body, people raced their dragon boats and threw zongzi, a traditional sticky rice dumpling, into the water as bait. They also made loud noises with drums and paddles to scare away evil spirits in the water. Since then, dragon boat racing has become a significant activity during the Dragon Boat Festival, and eating zongzi has become a traditional custom of the festival.
2.The customs of the Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon Boat Racing: Dragon boat races are a significant part of the festival. People form teams and compete in dragon boat races on lakes, rivers, and other water bodies to commemorate the legend of searching for Qu Yuan's body.
Eating Zongzi: Zongzi is a traditional food that is essential during the Dragon Boat Festival. It is a triangular-shaped sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with glutinous rice, beans, meat, or other ingredients. Eating zongzi symbolizes the commemoration of Qu Yuan and warding off evil spirits.
Hanging Artemisia and Calamus: People hang artemisia and calamus at their doorways, windows, or inside their homes to ward off evil spirits and protect the health and well-being of family members.
Wearing Colorful Threads: People wear colorful threads, such as red, yellow, or blue, symbolizing good luck and auspiciousness. These threads are often tied around the wrist or hung on objects as a prayer for good fortune and protection.
Bamboo Leaf Crafts: During the Dragon Boat Festival, people engage in bamboo leaf crafts, creating various handmade items such as small boats and animals to showcase traditional craftsmanship and creativity.
These customs and traditions add to the festive atmosphere of the Dragon Boat Festival and reflect the preservation and promotion of traditional culture. While there may be slight variations in customs and celebrations across different regions and families, the festival is universally celebrated with great significance.
3.Words and phrases related to the Dragon Boat Festival 端午节 (Duānwǔ Jié) - Dragon Boat Festival 粽子 (Zòngzi) - Sticky rice dumpling 赛龙舟 (Sài lóngzhōu) - Dragon boat racing 屈原 (Qū Yuán) - Qu Yuan (a poet and statesman associated with the festival) 龙舟 (Lóngzhōu) - Dragon boat 艾草 (Àicǎo) - Artemisia (herb traditionally used during the festival) 蒿草 (Hāocǎo) - Calamus (a type of aromatic plant used during the festival) 雄黄酒 (Xióng huáng jiǔ) - Realgar wine (a traditional alcoholic beverage) 五彩丝线 (Wǔcǎi sīxiàn) - Colorful threads 竹叶编制 (Zhúyè biānzhì) - Bamboo leaf weaving 百步蛇舞 (Bǎi bù shé wǔ) - Bai Bu She dance (a traditional dance performed during the festival) 屈原投江 (Qū Yuán tóu jiāng) - Qu Yuan's suicide by drowning
4.The situation of the Dragon Boat Festival circulating overseas The Dragon Boat Festival holds great significance among overseas communities, especially within the global Chinese diaspora. It is celebrated and cherished by Chinese communities worldwide, promoting and preserving its rich cultural heritage.
In Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, where substantial Chinese communities exist, the Dragon Boat Festival is a highly anticipated event. Festivities include thrilling dragon boat races, savoring delicious zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and engaging in traditional customs such as hanging Artemisia and Calamus leaves. These celebrations attract both locals and tourists, creating vibrant cultural experiences.
Western countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia also embrace the Dragon Boat Festival within their Chinese communities. Vibrant activities like dragon boat races, cultural exhibitions, and captivating dance performances showcase the festival's cultural significance. Additionally, educational initiatives in schools and community organizations introduce the history and cultural aspects of the Dragon Boat Festival to non-Chinese individuals, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
With the growth of global tourism, the Dragon Boat Festival is gaining recognition as a cultural holiday in various countries. China's iconic dragon boat races and the delectable tradition of zongzi captivate the interest of international travelers. Hotels and travel agencies offer unique experiences tied to the festival, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
The Dragon Boat Festival transcends borders, connecting Chinese communities worldwide and fostering cultural exchange. It serves as a vibrant celebration of Chinese traditions and a platform to share China's rich cultural heritage with the global community.
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