Dragon Boat Festival: Origin, Traditions and Culture

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month every year and has a history of more than 2,000 years. In 2009, it was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The festival is best known for commemorating Qu Yuan, a loyal and patriotic ancient poet. To mourn his death, local people began the traditions of rowing dragon boats and throwing rice into the river, which gradually evolved into today’s festival customs.

Typical Duanwu traditions are widely celebrated across the country. Eating zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings) is the most popular custom. Dragon boat racing, exciting and spectacular, symbolizes courage and teamwork. People also hang wormwood and calamus at their doors to drive away insects and ward off diseases, and wear colorful strings and sachets for good luck and health.

Different from other Chinese festivals that focus on reunion, the Dragon Boat Festival centers on health, blessing and patriotism. It carries ancient Chinese people’s wisdom of adapting to seasonal changes and praying for safety.

Today, the Dragon Boat Festival remains a beloved public holiday. It inherits traditional Chinese culture and spreads the spirit of perseverance, unity and peace.