China

Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a public holiday in mainland China. The festival has been held annually since the Zhou dynasty (1066-221 BC).

In the festival, people are wearing traditional costumes and various activities are held. One of the traditional activities held is eating zongzi which are made of sticky rice. People also hang leaves on the door or windows to welcome the festival, held on the 5th day of the 5th month of Chinese lunar calendar.

According to local legend, a well-known poet Qu Yan, who was the King’s conselor, committed suiced by throwing himself to the Miluo River. He chose this dramatic way to show his deep disappointment over the corrupt government. People then rushed for his body in the river with wooden boats. They beat drums along the way to protect Yuan from evils. And they threw out food into the river as distraction so fish don’t eat Yuan’s body.

Since then Dragon Boat Race has become a central attraction in the Duanwu Festival.

At the beginning, local residents held dragon boat race, but over time people across the globe were interested to participate and embrace the sports as well. So now dragon boat racing is an international sports event, with several countries like the United States, Europe, Africa and Canada held similar race every year.



Source: travelchinaguide.com, chinesefortunecalendar.com