The Dragon Boat Festival A Celebration of Courage
The Dragon Boat Festival: A Celebration of Courage, Loyalty, and Rice Wine
I. Introduction to the Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of China's oldest holidays, celebrated annually on the fifth day after the summer solstice. It commemorates a legendary tale involving a Chinese poet named Qu Yuan and his tragic death by drowning in a river.
II. The Legend of Qu Yuan
Qu Yuan was a devoted patriot who lived during the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). He advocated for reforms and supported his ruler against foreign invasions. When his proposals were rejected and his ruler betrayed him, Qu Yuan jumped into the Miluo River in despair.
III. The Origin of Zongzi as an Offering
To prevent fish from eating Qu Yuan's body, local villagers threw rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves into the river as offerings to appease him. These dumplings became known as zongzi.
IV. The Development of Traditional Activities
Over time, various activities have been incorporated into the festival celebrations:
A. Racing dragon boats - This event honors Qu Yuan's spirit with high-speed boat races.
B. Eating zongzi - Families gather together to share these traditional rice dumplings.
C. Hanging calamus - Calamus plants are believed to ward off evil spirits.
D. Drinking realgar wine - A sweet wine made from realgar (a reddish-orange arsenic sulfide mineral) is consumed during festivities.
VII Conclusion
