1. Legends (illustrative stories)
(1) Qu Yuan threw himself into the river
In order to commemorate the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, residents tried to prevent him from jumping into the Miluo River Qu Yuan's body was eaten by fish and shrimp, so many rice dumplings (zongzi) wrapped in bamboo leaves were thrown into the river, and people competed in rowing boats (dragon boat races) in the hope of finding Qu Yuan's body.
(2) Cao E searches for her father’s body
Cao E, a filial daughter of the Eastern Han Dynasty, died when her father drowned in a river. At the age of fourteen, she cried along the river for seventeen days. Cao's father's body was still not found, but he threw himself into the river on May 1st. Five days later, the touching story of the two corpses rising to the surface was embraced by the villagers.
(3) The Legend of the White Snake
It is said that Bai Suzhen, the white snake, married Xu Xian in order to repay Xu Xian’s kindness. It is said that the white snake drank realgar wine on the Dragon Boat Festival and almost died. The appearance of a snake, the White Snake in Fahai and the flooding of Jinshan Temple are all popular folk opera repertoire.
(4) The death anniversary of Wu Zixu
It is said that after Wu Zixu helped Wu conquer Chu, King Helu of Wu died, and the prince Fucha succeeded to the throne. The expedition was more successful, and King Goujian of Yue asked for peace. Wu Zixu took charge of the battle, but his husband refused to listen. Instead, he listened to the traitor's words and ordered Wu Zixu to commit suicide. He threw his body into the river on May 5. After that, people commemorated Wu Zixu on the Dragon Boat Festival.