The Dragon Boat Festival, a vibrant celebration steeped in history and tradition, takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, which falls in late May or June on the Gregorian calendar. This year, it happens to be today, June 10th, 2024. Google Doodle celebrates the festival with a special Doodle and mentions: “Get ready to row with the flow — this Doodle celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival! For over 2,000 years, people have celebrated the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which gives this holiday the nickname “Double Fifth Festival.”
Source: Google Doodle
What is the History of Dragon Boat Festival?
The festival commemorates Qu Yuan, a revered Chinese scholar and poet who lived during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Legend says Qu Yuan, heartbroken by the corruption of his time, drowned himself in the Miluo River. To prevent fish from eating his body, locals raced out in boats to scare them away, throwing rice dumplings into the water as offerings.
According to the National Library Board Singapore’s Infopedia: “Primitive worship of the river dragon was often practised during the summer solstice. The Dragon Boat Festival was associated with Qu Yuan’s story only in the second century. Qu Yuan was a councillor and patriotic minister who lived in the third century BCE in the state of Chu. In the midst of turmoil during this period of the Warring States, Qu Yuan had warned his king, Lord Huai, of the threat that the northern state of Qin posed to the southern Chu. However, political intrigue led Lord Huai to banish Qu Yuan instead. The ministry was left in the hands of corrupt statesmen and Qu Yuan helplessly watched his motherland decline.”
What is the Significance of Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival holds significance for several reasons:
- Commemoration: It's traditionally seen as a way to honour Qu Yuan, the patriotic poet who drowned himself in protest.
- Patriotism and Loyalty: The story of Qu Yuan reflects these values, inspiring people to be dedicated to their country.
- Warding off Evil: The fifth lunar month was believed to be unlucky, so customs like racing and realgar wine aimed to banish evil spirits and disease.
- Celebrating Community: The festival brings people together for dragon boat races, enjoying traditional foods, and sharing cultural traditions.
- Cultural Identity: The Dragon Boat Festival strengthens cultural identity by expressing heritage through practices like boat racing and wearing silk sashes.
How is Dragon Boat Festival Celebrated?
The Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant celebration packed with traditions that vary slightly by region. Here are some key ways people celebrate:
- Dragon Boat Races: The signature event! Long, ornately decorated boats with teams of paddlers race fiercely to the rhythm of drums.
- Zongzi Feast: Families and friends gather to enjoy zongzi, glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. Fillings range from savoury meats to sweet red bean paste.
- Wearing five-coloured silk sashes or hanging images of Zhong Kui, a mythical vanquisher of demons, are other ways to ward off misfortune.
- Lion dances, dragon dances, and vibrant operas bring a festive atmosphere to the celebrations.
- Traditional songs and unicorn dances are performed in some regions.
Google Doodle mentions: “Anywhere with a view of the water will be packed with people watching the main event of the day: dragon boat racing. Teams of up to 90 people pile into long wooden boats painted to resemble colorful dragons. After painting the eyes on the dragon to bring it to life, it’s time to paddle along to a drumbeat and get to the finish line before the other teams.”
“Besides the lively competition, traditional activities on this day ward off bugs and maladies as the summer heat brings an uptick in pest activities. Children often wear five-color silk threads for protection, and at home, people hang sachets of herbs and plants that repel bugs. When it’s time for a snack, many will pull out realgar wine and sticky rice dumplings called zongzi, the latter of which honors the legacy of ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan,” it adds.
Google Celebrates the Patent Anniversary of the Musical Instrument Accordion with a Special Doodle
-1755982033484.jpg)
-1755980833029.jpg)
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation