The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanyang Festival, the Noon Day Festival, the May Festival, the Double Five Festival, etc., is one of the traditional Chinese festivals. The Dragon Boat Festival has a long origin and history and is a very important festival. During this festival, people eat rice dumplings, race dragon boats, hang mugwort leaves, drink realgar wine, etc. So, how to introduce the Dragon Boat Festival? Below, we will comprehensively analyze it from three aspects: history, tradition and customs.

1. History

The origin of the Dragon Boat Festival can be traced back to the Warring States Period. According to legend, Qu Yuan was a minister of the Chu State. In order to save the country, he made many admonitions to the Wu State, but was suppressed by the Wu State. Finally, Qu Yuan was exiled to the banks of the Miluo River. Here, Qu Yuan wrote poems such as "Li Sao" to express his love for the motherland and loyalty to the king. However, later Qu Yuan heard the news that his motherland had been conquered. He was very sad and finally committed suicide by throwing himself into the river. In order to commemorate Qu Yuan, people hold dragon boat races, eat rice dumplings, hang moxa leaves and other activities on May 5th every year, gradually forming the tradition of the Dragon Boat Festival.

2. Tradition

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the traditional Chinese festivals and the most important traditional festival in China. one. During this festival, people eat rice dumplings, race dragon boats, hang mugwort leaves, drink realgar wine, etc. These customs have profound cultural connotations.

1. Eating Zongzi

Eating Zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival is one of the traditional customs in China. According to legend, after Qu Yuan committed suicide by throwing himself into the river, people threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fish and shrimp in order to prevent the fish and shrimp from eating his body. Later, in order to commemorate Qu Yuan, people began to eat rice dumplings. The wrapping methods and materials of rice dumplings vary from region to region, but the rice dumplings in each place have their own unique taste.

2. Dragon boat racing

Dragon boat racing is one of the traditional activities of the Dragon Boat Festival. According to legend, in order to prevent Qu Yuan's body from being eaten by fish and shrimps, people rowed boats in the river to search for his body. Later, this event evolved into a dragon boat race. Dragon boat racing is a very interesting activity. It not only tests the physical strength and skills of the players, but also contains the essence of traditional Chinese culture.

3. Hanging mugwort leaves

Hanging mugwort leaves is also one of the traditional customs of the Dragon Boat Festival. Mugwort leaves have the effects of expelling evil spirits, dispelling diseases, and eliminating insects. People believe that hanging Mugwort leaves can keep them safe and healthy. In addition, there is also a saying that hanging mugwort leaves can drive away the plague and keep the family safe.

4. Drinking realgar wine

Drinking realgar wine is also one of the traditional customs of the Dragon Boat Festival. Realgar wine is a traditional Chinese medicinal wine that has the functions of clearing away heat, detoxifying, expelling evil spirits and dispelling diseases. People believe that drinking realgar wine can keep them safe and healthy.

3. Customs

The customs of the Dragon Boat Festival are very colorful. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Eating Zongzi

On the Dragon Boat Festival, people will eat Zongzi. Zongzi is a kind of food made of glutinous rice and various fillings. It comes in two flavors: salty and sweet.The taste of rice dumplings varies from region to region, but they are all very delicious.

2. Dragon boat racing

Dragon boat racing is one of the traditional activities of the Dragon Boat Festival. In this event, contestants have to row on a dragon boat and cross the finish line as quickly as possible. This activity requires the players' physical strength and skills and is very interesting.

3. Hanging mugwort leaves

On the Dragon Boat Festival, people will hang mugwort leaves on doorways, windows and other places. In some places, mugwort leaves are placed in pockets to ward off evil spirits and diseases.

4. Drink realgar wine

On the Dragon Boat Festival, people will drink realgar wine. Realgar wine is a traditional Chinese medicinal wine that has the functions of clearing away heat, detoxifying, expelling evil spirits and dispelling diseases. People believe that drinking realgar wine can keep them safe and healthy.

In short, the Dragon Boat Festival is a very important festival. It not only has a long history and cultural connotation, but also has rich and colorful customs. We should cherish this festival, inherit and carry forward the culture of the Dragon Boat Festival.