Wishing you Happy Dragon Boat Festival from BD Hygiene

Chinese people celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, typically in May or June. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Chinese communities worldwide widely observe this festival, not only in China.

The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the life and death of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and statesman of ancient China. Qu Yuan was a loyal minister who advocated for reforms and fought against corruption. When his advice was ignored, he committed suicide by drowning himself in a river. The local people admired Qu Yuan and attempted to rescue him by racing in their boats and throwing rice dumplings, known as zongzi, into the water to prevent fish from eating his body.

People celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival today with great enthusiasm, engaging in various customs. The most prominent tradition is the dragon boat races, where teams of rowers paddle in long, narrow boats decorated like dragons. The races are thrilling spectacles that attract large crowds and showcase the teamwork, strength, and coordination of the participants. The rhythmic beating of drums accompanies the rowers, creating an exhilarating atmosphere.

Another significant aspect of the festival is the consumption of zongzi. These pyramid-shaped sticky rice dumplings wrap bamboo leaves around and contain a variety of ingredients like meat, beans, or nuts. People steam or boil zongzi, enjoying them as a traditional delicacy during the Dragon Boat Festival. These dumplings represent food thrown into the river to prevent fish from eating Qu Yuan’s body.

Moreover, people observe various customs during the festival to drive away evil spirits and encourage good health. These include hanging up pouches of herbs known as “zhongzi bags,” wearing colorful silk threads, and displaying images of fierce deities like Zhong Kui, believed to have the power to repel evil.

[ Bd hygiene ]

The Dragon Boat Festival honors Qu Yuan and Chinese traditions while bringing families together to enjoy each other’s company. It is an occasion for people to strengthen their bonds, share festive meals, and participate in cultural activities. Through the Dragon Boat Festival, the Chinese people celebrate their history, promote unity, and preserve their rich cultural heritage.