Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Dragon Boat Festival, May Festival and Double Ninth Festival, is one of the traditional festivals in China, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month every year. This year's Dragon Boat Festival is 2021June 14 (Monday). According to the notice issued by the General Office of the State Council, the 20021Dragon Boat Festival holiday lasts for three days from June 12 (Saturday) to June 14 (Monday).
The Origin and Legend of Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon Boat Festival originated in ancient China, originally to commemorate Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a great poet, politician and military general of Chu during the Warring States Period in China. In order to protest against the corrupt politics at that time, he finally chose to throw himself into the river and die for his country. In order to commemorate his contribution and sacrifice, people began to hold various commemorative activities on the day of his death, that is, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.
In addition, there is a famous legend about the Dragon Boat Festival, which is about the death of Qu Yuan. According to legend, Qu Yuan's death was related to a big fish. At that time, in order to prevent big fish from eating Qu Yuan's body, people in Chu put a lot of rice and eggs on the river, so that big fish would not eat Qu Yuan's body when they were full. Later, people began to eat zongzi on the Dragon Boat Festival to commemorate this legend.
Customs and culture of Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon Boat Festival is an important part of China's traditional culture, with rich and colorful customs and cultural activities. The following are some common customs of Dragon Boat Festival:
1. Eat Zongzi: Zongzi is the most representative food of the Dragon Boat Festival, and it is a kind of food cooked by wrapping glutinous rice and various fillings in bamboo leaves. The shape and color of zongzi vary from region to region and customs, but they are all produced to commemorate Qu Yuan and prevent big fish from eating his body.
2. Dragon boat race: Dragon boat race is one of the biggest activities of the Dragon Boat Festival, held in memory of Qu Yuan. The origin of dragon boat races can be traced back to the Warring States Period, when people rowed dragon boats in the river to commemorate Qu Yuan.
3. Hanging mugwort leaves: mugwort leaves are a kind of herbal medicine, which is considered to have the functions of exorcising evil spirits, plagues and poisons. On the Dragon Boat Festival, people will hang mugwort leaves on their doorways and beds to drive away plagues and diseases.
How to spend the Dragon Boat Festival?
1. Eating zongzi: On the Dragon Boat Festival, it is a very good way to make zongzi and eat zongzi with your family.
2. Dragon Boat Race: If you live by the river, you can watch the local dragon boat race and feel the atmosphere of the Dragon Boat Festival.
3. Participate in cultural activities: Many cities will hold various cultural activities during the Dragon Boat Festival, such as traditional dragon and lion dances and folk exhibitions. , so that you can attend.
4. Get close to nature: Dragon Boat Festival is a summer festival. You can take this opportunity to take a walk in the suburbs or parks and enjoy the beauty of nature.