The Dragon Boat Festival will occur on June 22 this year, on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Dragon Boat Festival in Southern China is an international event that attracts a large number of locals and travellers. To an outsider, the festival appears to be about dragon-shaped boat races or ‘zongzi’ — a sweet-savory dumpling traditionally associated with the occasion. Few people are aware that the Dragon Boat Festival honours a renowned poet who lived more than 2,000 years ago. The origin of the festival was the quest for his body.
The background of Dragon Boat Festival
Regarding the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival, history and folklore present several competing theories. The stories include dragons, loyalty, spirits, and sustenance, among other topics. One of these legends, the legend of Qu-Yuan, remains the most popular and widely accepted as the true origin narrative.
The Dragon Boat Festival dates back over two thousand years. Many people believe the festival began during the Warring States period, specifically with Qu Yuan. Yuan was a decorated official of the state and a patriotic poet. He was born into a noble family and held several prominent positions, most notably as the advisor to the Kingdom of Chu. Yuan made strengthening the kingdom of Chu his life’s mission. Yuan advised the king of Chu to establish alliances with the state of Qi, which was then one of the seven warring kingdoms. The objective was to defeat the most potent of the seven states, the state of Qin. Jealous judicial officials disregarded his counsel and even accused Qu Yuan of treason. Soon thereafter, the monarch relieved Yuan of his duties and exiled him.
During his exile, Yuan composed exquisite poems about his homeland, praising the splendour of China. When the Qin state conquered the Chu capital, ominous clouds appeared on the horizon for the kingdom. A despondent Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River before committing suicide. It was the fifth of the fifth lunar month’s fifth month. The bereaved citizens of Chu launched their vessels in a futile search for his body. To ward off evil spirits, they rowed their boats up and down the river while continuously pounding drums and striking the water with paddles. According to legend, they cast rice balls into the river to feed the fish and preserve Yuan’s body. The tale explains why the primary components of modern Dragon Boat celebrations are wooden boat competitions and the consumption of sticky rice balls or zongzi.
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DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
Egg balanced on its end
According to legend, it is possible to balance an egg on its end at midday during the festival. Those who succeed will enjoy good fortune in the coming year.
Dispel the malevolent eye
Follow the example of the Chinese and wear a ‘Xiang Bao.’ This fragrant sachet is believed to ward off evil entities and bring good fortune.
Observe the competitions
Dragon boat racing is a global competition. Taiwan and Hong Kong are optimal if you wish to observe the races. There is always a race taking place in any significant city.
5 fascinating facts about Taiwan
Taiwan has 23 million inhabitants, but its territory is comparable to Belgium.
Taiwan became the first Asian nation to legalise homosexual marriage in 2019.
Garbage trucks play loud music to alert everyone when it is time to collect trash and transport it to the street.
Tofu marinated for six months in a prawn and vegetable marinade is stinky tofu.
Prior to its discovery by the Portuguese, the Chinese referred to Taiwan as “a mudball across the sea, unworthy of China.”
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 3 | Friday |
| 2023 | June 22 | Thursday |
| 2024 | June 10 | Monday |
| 2025 | May 31 | Saturday |
| 2026 | June 19 | Friday |
