The Origin and Customs of Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon Boat Racing, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional festival in China that falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It has a history of over 2,000 years and is celebrated in different parts of the world. The festival is held to commemorate the death of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and minister who lived in the Warring States period of ancient China.

Qu Yuan was a loyal minister who advised the king to resist the corrupt government officials and protect the country from invasion. However, his advice was ignored, and he was exiled for his outspokenness. During his exile, he wrote many poems expressing his love for his country and people. When he heard that his country was invaded, he drowned himself in the Miluo River to show his loyalty to his country.

After his death, the people of his hometown went to the river to search for his body, but they were unsuccessful. They then threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fish and prevent them from eating Qu Yuan's body. They also paddled their boats in the river to scare away the fish. This became the origin of dragon boat racing.

Today, dragon boat racing is a popular sport that involves teams paddling long, narrow boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. The boats are manned by a team of paddlers who race to the beat of a drum. The race is a symbol of teamwork, perseverance, and unity.

During the festival, people also eat rice dumplings, drink realgar wine, and hang calamus and iris leaves on their doors to ward off evil spirits. These customs are believed to bring good luck and protect people's health.

In conclusion, dragon boat racing is a traditional festival in China that commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and minister. The festival involves dragon boat racing, eating rice dumplings, drinking realgar wine, and hanging calamus and iris leaves. It is a symbol of teamwork, perseverance, and unity and is celebrated in different parts of the world.