The origin of the Dragon Boat Festival is introduced in English as follows:
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It is one of the oldest and most distinctive festivals in China. The festival has different origins, but the most popular origin story is linked to the poet and statesman Qu Yuan.
(Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Dragon Boat Festival The Dragon Boat Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival, is one of the traditional Chinese festivals celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It is one of the oldest and most unique festivals in China. Although there are different stories about the origin of the festival, the most popular origin stories relate to poets and politicians. Family related to Qu Yuan).
According to legend, Qu Yuan was a minister of the state of Chu during the Warring States period. He was a patriotic poet who wrote many famous poems and devoted himself to serving his country. However, after being slandered and falsely accused, he was banished and exiled. When he learned that his homeland had been invaded by a neighboring state, he plunged into the Miluo River and drowned himself on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The local people rowed boats in the river to search for his body and threw rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves into the river to prevent the fish from eating his remains.
(According to legend, Qu Yuan was an official of the Chu State during the Warring States Period. He was A patriotic poet who wrote many famous poems and devoted himself to serving his country, he was exiled on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month after being slandered and falsely accused. He committed suicide by jumping into the Miluo River on this day. Local people rowed boats in the river to search for his body and wrapped rice dumplings in bamboo leaves and threw them into the river to prevent fish from eating his body).
Characteristics of the Dragon Boat Festival
1. Long history: The Dragon Boat Festival is part of China’s historical and cultural heritage, and its origins can be traced back to ancient times thousands of years ago. It has a history of about 2,000 years in China and is one of the very ancient traditional festivals.
2. Colorful: The Dragon Boat Festival has different celebration methods and activities in different regions and cultural traditions.
For example, eating rice dumplings, hanging mugwort leaves, rowing dragon boats, setting off anti-aircraft guns, and horse racing are all traditional activities during the Dragon Boat Festival. There are also some sacrifices and religious rituals during the Dragon Boat Festival. For example, in the south, people will worship their ancestors during the Dragon Boat Festival to pray for peace and health.
3. Folklore color: The Dragon Boat Festival is a festival that embodies Chinese folk culture and is rich in legends and stories. For example, historical stories and legends such as "Qu Yuan threw himself into the river", "The Five Poisons Hidden", and "The Carp Jumped over the Dragon Gate" are all closely related to the Dragon Boat Festival. These legends and stories not only add fun and interest to the celebration of the festival, but also pass on the history and culture of the Chinese nation.
4. Food culture: Zongzi is the most common food during the Dragon Boat Festival and is also one of the representatives of traditional Chinese food culture. In addition, the taste, shape and wrapping materials of rice dumplings are different in each region. For example, Shanghai Cha Cha Pork Rice Dumplings, Fujian and Zhejiang Lingbei Pork Rice Dumplings, etc. are all good choices to taste the authentic taste.