The Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, is a significant traditional Chinese festival with a rich array of customs deeply rooted in history and culture. Here are some of the main traditions:
1. Dragon Boat Racing (赛龙舟)
Dragon boat racing is the most iconic activity of the Dragon Boat Festival. Teams of paddlers, often wearing matching outfits, row in unison to propel a long, narrow boat shaped like a dragon through the water. The boats are elaborately decorated with dragon heads and tails. Drummers on the boats beat out rhythms to coordinate the paddlers’ strokes, creating a thrilling and energetic atmosphere. This custom is believed to have originated from the local people’s efforts to search for Qu Yuan, an ancient patriotic poet, after he drowned himself in the Miluo River. The competitive and exciting nature of dragon boat racing has made it a popular sport not only in China but also in many other parts of the world.
2. Eating Zongzi (吃粽子)
Zongzi is a traditional food specifically associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. These are pyramid-shaped or triangular dumplings made of glutinous rice stuffed with various fillings, such as sweet red bean paste, salted duck eggs, or pieces of pork. The rice is wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves and then steamed or boiled. The origin of eating zongzi is also related to Qu Yuan. It is said that people threw zongzi into the river to prevent the fish from eating Qu Yuan’s body. Today, eating zongzi is a way to commemorate the poet and also a delicious treat during the festival. There are different regional variations in the ingredients and shapes of zongzi, reflecting the diversity of Chinese cuisine.
3. Hanging Mugwort and Calamus (挂艾草和菖蒲)
On the Dragon Boat Festival, people often hang mugwort and calamus on their doors and windows. These plants are believed to have the power to repel insects, ward off evil spirits, and bring good luck. Mugwort has a strong fragrance and is known for its medicinal properties, while calamus also has a pleasant smell and is thought to be effective in keeping pests away. Hanging these plants is a traditional way to protect the family from diseases and misfortunes during the season when the weather is getting warmer and insects are more active.
4. Wearing Sachets (佩戴香囊)
Sachets, also known as fragrant pouches, are small bags filled with a mixture of aromatic herbs, spices, and sometimes small pieces of jade or other decorative items. They are often sewn into beautiful and colorful patterns, such as animals or flowers. People, especially children, wear sachets around their necks or tie them to their clothes. The fragrant smell of the herbs inside is believed to keep away evil spirits and mosquitoes, and it is also thought to have a positive effect on health. Wearing sachets is not only a protective measure but also a form of traditional handicraft and a way to show personal style.
5. Drinking Realgar Wine (饮雄黄酒)
In some regions, it is a custom to drink realgar wine during the Dragon Boat Festival. Realgar is a mineral that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. When dissolved in wine, it is believed to have the ability to dispel toxins, drive away evil spirits, and protect people from various diseases. However, due to the toxicity of realgar in large amounts, nowadays, people usually just smear a little realgar wine on the forehead or around the ears instead of drinking it directly. This custom is also associated with the legend of the White Snake, where the White Snake was made to reveal her true form after drinking realgar wine.
6. Wearing Five-colored Silk Thread (系五彩丝线)
Children are often given five-colored silk threads to wear on their wrists, ankles, or necks on the Dragon Boat Festival. The five colors, usually red, green, yellow, white, and black, are believed to represent the five elements in traditional Chinese philosophy (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). Wearing these threads is thought to protect children from evil spirits and ensure their good health. The threads are usually worn from the Dragon Boat Festival until the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, when they are taken off and thrown into a river or burned, symbolizing the removal of bad luck.
These customs of the Dragon Boat Festival not only preserve the rich cultural heritage of China but also continue to be an important part of Chinese people’s lives, bringing people together and celebrating the festival with joy and tradition.