Dragon Boat Festival | Traditional Chinese festival
Duānwǔ Jié
端午 节 (Dragon Boat Festival)
The Dragon Boat Festival (端午节, Duānwǔ Jié) is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls in May or June.
This festival has a history of more than 2,300 years and is closely connected with a famous patriotic poet named Qu Yuan. According to legend, Qu Yuan deeply loved his country. When his state was defeated in war, he was heartbroken and drowned himself in the Miluo River.
After hearing the news, local people rushed out in boats to search for him. They also threw rice into the river to prevent fish from harming his body. Over time, these actions developed into the modern traditions of dragon boat racing and eating zongzi.
sài lóngzhōu
赛 龙舟 (Dragon boat racing)
Dragon boat racing is the most exciting and energetic activity of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Teams paddle long, narrow boats decorated like dragons, racing fiercely across rivers or lakes. Today, dragon boat racing is not only popular in China but also practiced in many countries around the world.
This sport is more than just a competition. It represents the spirit of teamwork, coordination, and collective effort, as everyone must paddle in rhythm to move the boat forward.
chī zòngzi
吃 粽子 ( Eating Zongzi)
Zongzi (粽子) is the signature food of the Dragon Boat Festival.
It is made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, then boiled or steamed. The flavors of zongzi vary greatly across China.
In northern China, people often prefer sweet zongzi, such as those filled with red bean paste or candied dates. In southern China, however, savory zongzi are more common, with fillings like pork, salted egg yolk, or mushrooms.
Eating zongzi is not only a culinary tradition but also a way of remembering Qu Yuan and honoring cultural heritage.
guà àicǎo hé chāngpú
挂 艾草 和 菖蒲 (Hanging Mugwort and Calamus)
During the Dragon Boat Festival, people hang mugwort (艾草) and calamus (菖蒲) on their doors.
These plants are believed to have protective properties. Traditionally, they were thought to repel insects, ward off evil spirits, and bring good luck and safety to the household.
pèi xiāngnáng
佩 香囊 (Wearing Fragrant Sachets)
A fragrant sachet is a small cloth pouch filled with traditional Chinese herbs such as mugwort, cloves, and mint.
It has a pleasant aroma and is believed to help prevent illness and repel insects. Fragrant sachets are especially popular among children, who often wear them as decorations and protective charms during the festival.
jì wǔcǎishéng
系 五彩绳 (Wearing Five-Colored Strings)
In ancient Chinese tradition, the five colors—red, yellow, blue, white, and black—are associated with the Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). These colors are considered symbols of balance, harmony, and good fortune.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, adults tie five-colored silk threads around children’s wrists and ankles as a form of protection and blessing.
Traditionally, after the first rainfall following the festival, the strings are cut and thrown into flowing water. This symbolizes the washing away of illness, misfortune, and bad luck.
The Dragon Boat Festival is not only a time for celebration, but also a meaningful cultural tradition that combines history, legend, food, and folk customs. Through dragon boat racing, eating zongzi, and various protective rituals, people express respect for tradition, remembrance of Qu Yuan, and wishes for health, safety, and good fortune.