BY: Gui Liping

Basic Information In China it is called “Duanwu jie” Occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar (Double Fifth) Is celebrated in countries and Cities all over the world: China, Japan, Vietnam, Colorado, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Korea

Originated in China Said to commemorate the death of the poet Qu Yuan Qu Yuan was exiled and lost his last hope for his country, commited suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River. Locals who admired him paddled out in boats, so that the fish would not eat his body.

Living in the latter part of the Warring States Period (476 BC BC), Qu Yuan was the earliest great patriotic poet as well as a great statesman, ideologist, diplomat and reformer in ancient China. He has the reputation of being one of the world four great cultural celebrities. His patriotic influence has left its mark on many subsequent generations in China and beyond.

Boats Generally brightly painted and decorated canoes Size ranges from feet Head of the boat is shaped like open-mouthed dragon, while the stern is shaped like a scaly tail Can hold up to 80 rowers The boat is brought to life by painting the eyes in the “sacred ceremony” Winner is first team to grab a flag at the end of the course.

Rituals The double Fifth day is at the beginning of summer, when disease is likely to strike To fend off evil spirits people wear talismans and hang picture of Zhong Kui, guardian against evil spirits, on the door Adults may drink Xiong Huang wine, and children carry silk pouches, all of which can also prevent evil. It is said that if you can balance a raw egg on its end at exactly noon on Double Fifth Day, the rest of the year will be lucky

Zong Zi The traditional food for the Dragon Boat Festival Is a glutinous rice ball, with a filling, wrapped in corn leaves The fillings can be egg, beans, dates, fruits, sweet potato, walnuts, mushrooms, meats, or a combination of them all Are generally steamed

端午节 dragon boat festival 五月五日 May 5 (lunar) 粽子 zongzi 龙舟赛 dragon boat race