Dragon Boat Festival 2024

China
in 2 months
Estimated attendance: 80m visitors annually.
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Dragon Boat Festival
China is a country rich in culture and tradition. Among the many festivals celebrated in the country, the
Dragon Boat Festival
is one of the most popular. It is a unique cultural celebration that takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls in June.

When it's Dragon Boat Festival 2024?

Starts
09 Jun 2024
Length
1 Day Event
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The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as
Duanwu Festival
, has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years.

Origins of the Dragon Boat Festival

The festival is believed to have originated in the southern part of China, where it was first celebrated to honor the poet and minister Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a loyal servant of the Chu kingdom during the Warring States period. When he saw his country being invaded by the Qin army, he committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River.
Legend has it that the local people who admired him raced out in boats to try to save him or at least retrieve his body. Since then, the people of China have held annual dragon boat races in his honor on the anniversary of his death, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar.

Customs and Traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in various ways throughout China. Some of the most common customs and traditions include:
Dragon Boat Racing
: This is the most popular activity during the festival. Dragon boats are long, narrow boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. Each boat is manned by a team of rowers who race against other boats in the same category. The winner is the first team to reach the finish line.
Eating Zongzi
: Zongzi is a traditional Chinese food made from glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves. It is typically eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival and comes in many different varieties, such as sweet, savory, and vegetarian.
Drinking Realgar Wine
: Realgar wine, made from Chinese herbal medicine and rice wine, is believed to ward off evil spirits and insects. It is traditionally consumed during the festival.
Hanging Calamus and Artemisia
: Calamus and artemisia are two types of plants that are believed to repel insects and have medicinal properties. They are often hung in doorways or windows during the festival.

Significance of the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival has significant cultural and historical significance in China. The festival is a time for the Chinese people to come together and celebrate their traditions and heritage.
It is also a time to honor Qu Yuan and other historical figures who have contributed to Chinese culture and history. Additionally, the festival symbolizes the Chinese people's spirit of perseverance and unity in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

The Dragon Boat Festival is a cultural celebration that has been cherished by the Chinese people for over two thousand years. The festival is celebrated through various customs and traditions, such as dragon boat racing, eating zongzi, drinking realgar wine, and hanging calamus and artemisia.
It holds significant cultural and historical significance and is a time for the Chinese people to come together to celebrate their traditions and heritage. Whether you are in China or abroad, the
Dragon Boat Festival
is a festival that you should experience at least once in your lifetime.