Chinese Dragon Boat Festival
The best aspect of the Dragon Boat festival is the boat race. If you want to see a boat race then it is best to go to the south of China, because there are more rivers in the south. The race consists of a thin dragon boat that goes down the river with the rhythm of drums.
It is a very ancient festival whose origin is unknown due to the mists of time, but most people today just remember two origins. First, the festival is for honoring water dragons. In some regions of China, people consider water dragons to be the most powerful dragons. By honoring the dragons, farmers will have water (rain) for their crop next year.
Second, this festival originated because of its historical significance. The majority of Chinese people associate this festival with a man named Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a loyal minister of Chu in the third century. Disgusted by his king's actions, and having no way to prevent pointless wars from happening, he jumped into Milo River.
Once local villages heard about this event, they immediately raced their boats out to the river to search for him but could not find him. The locals then started throwing rice into the water to prevent the fish from disturbing Yuan's body.
To honor his death, one of the signature highlights of this festival is a food named zongzi, which is a sticky rice mixed with flavors (salty, sweet, or meat) and stuffed inside bamboo leaves. Zongzi represents the rice that locals threw into the river during ancient times.
It was alright to throw rice into the river back then; however, it is not alright to do it now. In Asia, people are very respectful of the farmers. So if you are wasting rice in the river, you may become a second Qu Yuan. Still, if you want to try it then please make sure you know how to swim.
Did you know that Chinese Dragon boat races have become an international event? Every year, Penang holds a world championship for everyone (not just Chinese people) to participate in. Click here to learn more.
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