The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. Here are its origins, meanings, and symbols in English:
**Origins:**
The Dragon Boat Festival has a long history and various legends surrounding its origin. One of the most popular legends is that it commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and statesman from the Warring States period (475-221 BC). Qu Yuan was a loyal minister who was exiled and eventually drowned himself in the Miluo River due to his political failures and his devotion to his country. The local people raced their boats out to save him, but he drowned. To prevent fish from eating his body, they threw rice dumplings into the river, which is the origin of the rice dumplings that are eaten during the festival.
**Meanings:**
1. **Respect for the Dead:** The festival is a time to honor Qu Yuan and other heroes who have sacrificed for their country and people.
2. **Celebration of Life:** It's also a time for family reunions and enjoying the beauty of nature, as the weather is usually warm and sunny during the summer.
3. **Good Health:** The activities of the festival, such as eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and dragon boat races, are believed to bring good health and fortune.
**Symbols:**
1. **Dragon Boat Race:** The dragon boat race is the most iconic symbol of the festival. It represents the effort of the people to save Qu Yuan.
2. **Zongzi (Rice Dumplings):** These are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and have various fillings. They are a traditional food of the festival and are believed to bring good luck and health.
3. **Calendula (Chrysanthemum):** Calendula flowers are often associated with the festival and are believed to ward off evil spirits.
4. **Cats-eye Fish:** This fish is believed to be the spirit of Qu Yuan, and people sometimes place a cat-eye fish in their homes to protect against evil.
5. **Green Garlic:** It is often eaten during the festival and is believed to help prevent disease and improve health.
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