The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is an important traditional festival in China, celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. Here are some historical origins and legends associated with this festival:
### Historical Origins:
1. **In Memory of Qu Yuan**: The most widely accepted origin of the Dragon Boat Festival is to commemorate the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a high-ranking official in the state of Chu during the Warring States period. He was known for his patriotism and reformist ideas. When the state of Chu fell, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River in 278 BC, expressing his despair over the fall of his state. The people of Chu paddled out in boats to save him, but failed. They subsequently threw粽子 (sticky rice dumplings) into the river to prevent fish from eating Qu Yuan's body. This custom has continued to this day.
2. **Driving Away Evil Spirits**: In ancient China, it was believed that the 5th day of the 5th lunar month was an inauspicious day when evil spirits were most active. People would engage in various activities to ward off bad luck and diseases, such as wearing perfume, avoiding outdoor activities, and hanging calamus and bamboo leaves.
### Legends:
1. **Qu Yuan's Sacrifice**: As mentioned earlier, the most famous legend is about Qu Yuan. It is said that he drowned himself in the Miluo River after being exiled and witnessing the fall of his state. The people of Chu paddled out in boats to search for his body, but could not find it. To prevent fish from eating his body, they threw rice dumplings into the river.
2. **The Dragon Boat**: The Dragon Boat races are believed to have originated from the people's efforts to search for Qu Yuan. According to the legend, the dragon-shaped boats were used to imitate the dragon that Qu Yuan was said to have transformed into after his death.
3. **Calamus and Bamboo Leaves**: The hanging of calamus and bamboo leaves is thought to have originated from the belief that these plants can drive away evil spirits. It is also believed that the leaves can keep away mosquitoes and other insects, thus preventing diseases.
4. **The "Five Poisons"**: The 5th day of the 5th lunar month is also known as the "Day of the Five Poisons" (五毒日), as it is believed that this day is when various poisonous creatures are most active. To counteract this, people often eat foods that are believed to have detoxifying properties, such as garlic and leeks.
These historical origins and legends have contributed to the rich cultural significance of the Dragon Boat Festival in Chinese society.
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