The Dragon Boat Festival in China, also known as Duanwu Festival (端午节) is one of the most important traditional holidays celebrated throughout the country. The origin of the festival, dating back to ancient history and folklore, is an important event in Chinese culture with unique traditions, delicious food, and a strong sense of community. Therefore, in this blog, let us explore the key customs and celebrations that are characteristic of celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival in China.
Remembering a Great Man: The Legend of Qu Yuan
Behind the Dragon Boat Festival, China can find a sad story telling us about Qu Yuan — a loyal and patriotic minister of the Chu kingdom in the age of Warring States. Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest when his kingdom was overwhelmed with corruption and about to fall into another state’s hands. The locals, who revered him, raced out in boats to try to save him, beating drums to scare away evil spirits, and throwing rice into the river to stop fish from eating his body. And those acts of remembrance are what much of the festival’s traditions are built upon.
Dragon Boat Festival China: Key Traditions and Customs
- Dragon Boat Races (赛龙舟): The most famous activity of the Dragon Boat Festival in China is undoubtedly dragon boat races. Teams of paddlers, often made up of local community members or company employees, race in long, narrow vessels decorated with dragon heads and tails. A drummer stationed at the front of the boat beats a steady rhythm, guiding the paddlers through synchronized strokes. The races represent the villagers’ efforts to save Qu Yuan from the river and ward off evil spirits. A major event of the Dragon Boat Festival in China.
- Eating Zongzi (粽子): A traditional food eaten at the Dragon Boat Festival in China is zongzi (粽子), or glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. These pyramid-shaped morsels are found with a wide range of fillings, highlighting how regional culinary preferences also affect how this dish is enjoyed. Savory fillings can be pork belly, salted duck egg yolk, mushrooms, and dried shrimp; sweet fillings can be red bean paste, jujubes (red dates), or lotus seeds. People eat zongzi to commemorate the row of rice thrown into the river to feed the fish and protect Qu Yuan’s body.
- Hanging Calamus and Mugwort (挂菖蒲艾草): Calamus and mugwort are aromatic herbs that are said to have healing properties, which is why they are traditionally hung on doors and windows all over China during the Dragon Boat Festival. The herbs are also said to repel evil spirits, drive away diseases, and keep the household safe from harm.
- Wearing Perfume Pouches (佩香囊): During the Dragon Boat Festival in China, children often wear colorful perfume pouches; they are filled with herbs and medicinal ingredients that smell fragrant. These pouches are said to ward off evil spirits and disease and bring luck to the wearer.
- Realgar wine (饮雄黄酒): It helps to ward off evil spirits and diseases that were usually consumed during the Dragon Boat Festival in China. Note: Today, health officials do not recommend rice wine fermented with realgar because realgar contains arsenic.
- Five-Colored Silk Threads (系五彩绳): Children are accustomed to wearing bracelets made from five-colored silk threads to exorcize evil spirits and pray for good luck.
Regional variations in the Dragon Boat Festival in China:
The core traditions remain the same, but the specific customs and Dragon Boat Festival China celebrations can vary from place to place. In some places, people take part in activities like duck-catching or tug-of-war, while in others, local delicacies are part and parcel of the celebration.
A Time for Family and Community
Most importantly, the Dragon Boat Festival in China is a family and community tradition. Today, families come together to eat, drink, and celebrate the activities of that day in honor of Qu Yuan. The festival serves as a form of reminder of patriotism, loyalty, and community spirit.
The Dragon Boat Festival in China is also a means to celebrate the rich history, cultural heritage, and traditions of the country. It is a time to honor our past, celebrate our present, and look ahead to a prosperous future.
Looking Forward: Dragon Boat Festival 2025
The 2025 Dragon Boat Festival will be celebrated on May 31, 2025. The Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, often around late May or June on the Gregorian calendar.
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