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's an overview of its origin and customs in English:
**Origin:**
The Dragon Boat Festival has its origins in the 5th century BC, in memory of the ancient Chinese poet and statesman Qu Yuan. According to legend, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River after being betrayed and witnessing the fall of the state of Chu. Local people raced out in boats to save him, but by the time they arrived, he had already drowned. To prevent fish from eating his body, they threw rice dumplings (zongzi) into the river. The dragon boat races that are now a central part of the festival are believed to be in honor of this rescue effort.
**Folk Customs:**
1. **Dragon Boat Races:** This is the most famous activity of the festival. Teams of rowers compete in long boats with a dragon head and tail, racing on rivers and lakes.
2. **Eating Zongzi:** Zongzi are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and are considered a traditional food of the Dragon Boat Festival. They are believed to be a tribute to the people who threw rice into the river to keep fish from Qu Yuan's body.
3. **Wearing Periwinkle Leaves:** It is a custom to wear periwinkle leaves or wear a string of periwinkle leaves around the neck to ward off evil spirits and to protect against diseases.
4. **Hanging Calamus and Mugwort:** Calamus and mugwort are hung in the house or worn as necklaces. These plants are believed to have protective properties against illness and insects.
5. **Drinking Realgar Wine:** Some people drink realgar wine, which is a traditional drink made with realgar (an ore of arsenic) and wine. It is thought to prevent illness and increase vitality.
6. **Patching a Child's Eyes:** In some regions, children's eyes are patched with black and white paper to protect them from evil spirits.
7. **Pasting Calamus and Mugwort on Doors:** It is also common to paste calamus and mugwort on doors to ward off evil spirits.
The Dragon Boat Festival is a time of respect for the historical figure Qu Yuan, community bonding through the dragon boat races, and the practice of various customs that aim to protect the health and well-being of individuals and their families.
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