Title: The Origin and Folk Customs of Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China, celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It has a long history and rich cultural significance.
The origin of the Dragon Boat Festival dates back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). According to a famous legend, the festival was established to commemorate the great poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River in 278 BC. It is said that Qu Yuan was a loyal minister who was betrayed and exiled by his king. In despair, he drowned himself in the river. The local people, in their sorrow, raced out in boats to search for his body. They threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fish, hoping to prevent them from eating Qu Yuan's body. Since then, the Dragon Boat Festival has become a day to honor Qu Yuan's loyalty and patriotism.
Folk customs of the Dragon Boat Festival are diverse and fascinating. Here are some of the most notable ones:
1. Dragon Boat Racing: This is the most famous activity of the Dragon Boat Festival. Teams of rowers compete in long boats, with a dragon-shaped head and tail. The boats race on rivers and lakes, and the spectators cheer for their favorite teams.
2. Eating Rice Dumplings: Rice dumplings, also known as zongzi, are a traditional food of the Dragon Boat Festival. They are made of glutinous rice stuffed with various fillings, such as red bean paste, meat, or egg. The dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves and cooked in water.
3. Hanging Calamus and Mugwort: Calamus and mugwort are two types of herbs that are believed to have medicinal properties. During the Dragon Boat Festival, people hang these herbs in their homes to ward off evil spirits and protect their health.
4. Wearing Periwinkle: Periwinkle is a type of flower that is believed to have the power to protect against evil spirits. During the Dragon Boat Festival, people wear periwinkle flowers or necklaces made from periwinkle petals.
5. Dragon Boat Dance: The Dragon Boat Dance is a traditional folk dance performed during the festival. Dancers wear colorful costumes and perform intricate movements, symbolizing the dragon's power and grace.
The Dragon Boat Festival is not only a time to honor the memory of Qu Yuan but also a time for people to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage. It is a festival that brings joy, unity, and a sense of pride to all who participate in its customs and traditions.
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