The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is one of the four grandest traditional festivals in China. Falling on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, it is a celebration with a rich history and unique traditions. Here are some of the top traditions associated with this festive occasion:
1. Dragon Boat Racing
Dragon boat racing is the most iconic activity of the festival. The long, wooden boats are shaped and decorated like Chinese dragons. The races are believed to originate from the legend of people searching for the body of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in a river. Additionally, dragon boat racing is seen as a form of worship of the Dragon or Water God, dating back over 2,000 years.
2. Eating Zongzi (Rice Dumplings)
Zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings, are the signature food of the Dragon Boat Festival. They are made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo, reed, or other leaves, and often filled with sweet or savory fillings. Zongzi are believed to be a traditional offering to the Dragon God, thrown into rivers as sacrifices.
3. Drinking Realgar Wine (Xionghuangjiu)
Realgar wine is a traditional beverage consumed during the festival. It is made by infusing rice wine with realgar, a yellow mineral. Drinking this wine is believed to promote good health and ward off evil spirits.
4. Hanging Icons of Zhong Kui
Zhong Kui is a mythical guardian figure in Chinese folklore. During the Dragon Boat Festival, people hang paintings or portraits of Zhong Kui in their homes to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
5. Wearing Calamus and Mugwort
Calamus and mugwort are types of plants with purported medicinal properties. During the festival, people wear these plants or hang them around their homes to promote health and prevent disease, as the ancient belief associates the fifth lunar month with poison and illness.
6. Writing Spells and Wearing Perfumed Medicine Bags
Ancient Chinese believed that writing spells and carrying perfumed medicine bags during the Dragon Boat Festival would protect them from diseases and evil spirits. This tradition reflects the festival’s origin as a health and medical festival.
7. Taking Long Walks
Long walks are a popular activity during the festival. People believe that walking can improve health and well-being, and it is also a way to enjoy the festive atmosphere and spend time with family and friends.
8. Making an Egg Stand at Noon
This unique tradition involves trying to balance an egg on its end exactly at noon on the day of the festival. It is considered a test of skill and good luck.
9. Dragon Boat Festival Greetings
People exchange festive greetings during the Dragon Boat Festival. In Chinese, the greeting is “端午节快乐” (Duānwǔ jié kuài lè), which translates to “Happy Dragon Boat Festival.”
10. A Three-Day Holiday
The Dragon Boat Festival is a public holiday in China, and people usually get three days off to celebrate and spend time with their families. This extended holiday period adds to the festive atmosphere and allows for more elaborate celebrations.