When you think of a festival do the words dragon or boat come to mind? Well book any one of China Tours and come experience the many festivals that China has to offer. This past weekend the Dragon Boat Festival which is also called (Duānwǔjié Festival) took place at most lakes and waterways.

The origin of the Dragon Boat Festival originated during (475-221BC). Officially the Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which is why the Festival is also known as the double fifth day. People all over the world book their Beijing Fights around this festival and here is why. This fascinating festival derives from the death of Qu Yuan, who was a minister he was said to have committed suicide by drowning himself in a river.

Qu Yuan, during the Warring States Period was the minister of the State of Chu. Qu was described as loyal, upright, and looked up upon for his wise ways in council that eventually brought peace and prosperity to the state. Qu was belittled by a Prince in the State of Chu, it made him shamed he then dismissed himself from his title. It is said when Qu Yuan realized that his country was not longer in a pure state he grabbed a stone and jumped into the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth month. Not to long after the State of Chu was then conquered by the State of Qin.

Qu Yuan was greatly loved by many the people who mourned his death. Every year on the fifth day of the fifth month they proceeded to throw rice into the river to feed his ghost. One year it was said that the spirit of Qu Yuan appeared and told his mourners that a huge dragon had taken the rice. The spirit of Qu Yuan then advised his mourners to wrap the rice in silk and bind it with five different colored threads before tossing it into the river.

The festive wraps in modern days are filled with a glutinous rice pudding which is called Zòngzi. To create Zòngzi you will need Lotus seeds, Chestnuts, Pork fat, Yolk of an egg and of course rice. To finalize the wrap you would then mix together and proceed to wrap with bamboo leaves, and tie it with the thick thread followed by then boiling in salt water for hours.

The Dragon Boat races were created to symbolize the numerous attempts to find Qu Yuan’s body. A typical Dragon Boat race would range from 50-100 feet in length. The “boat” also called a beam would be measured at approximately 6 feet which includes two paddles that are placed side by side. To decorate the bow of the beam a wooden dragon head is attached follow by a dragon tail at the stern. Some boats carry a colorful banner that is hoisted onto a pole which is then strapped to the stern. The centers of more traditional boats canopies are places where the gongs are placed.

This beautiful festival is held amongst different villages, organizations and clans in China. The winners are awarded medals, jugs of wine, meals and banners. By just reading this blog, this mystical and traditional festival can not be understood until you are apart of it yourself. You can be apart of China’s many festivals not much planning needed, you can start your China Travel now. China welcomes you with open arms.