The traditional Festival has a long history spanning thousands of years. Commonly called the Double Fifth Festival, it was celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth moon. The proper name for this festival was the Upright Sun Festival, but foreigners in China referred to it as the Dragon-Boat Festival.

1. Origin of the Festival



There are a number folk traditions, beliefs and explanatory myths connected to the observance. Today, the best, most widely known legend relates to the death by suicide of Qu Yuan, a scholar and minister to the King of Chu, in 278 BC an era in Chinese history that is referred to as the Warring States period. Scholars wrote literary works, including poetry. Qu Yuan is commonly referred to as a "poet" and a "statesperson", however he is more properly considered as a ministerial scholar.



2. Eating Zongzi



It is a traditional snack the Chinese have during the festival. Made of sticky rice, red dates steamed inside a bamboo leaf, Zongzi smells so sweet, a light flavor of bamboo leaves.



3. Dragon Boat Race



Dragon boat racing is an indispensable part of the festival, held all over the country. As the gun is fired, people will see racers in dragon-shaped canoes pulling the oars harmoniously and hurriedly, accompanied by rapid drums, speeding toward their destination.

Labels: China Travel, Dragon Boat Festival