When the fresh scent of mugwort wafts through the streets, when mothers’ nimble fingers weave five-colored threads that catch the morning light, when the drumbeats of dragon boats ripple across the river—this festival, etched into the nation’s DNA, reunites us with the warmth of a thousand years. The Dragon Boat Festival is never just a symbol on the calendar. It is the splash of civilization when Qu Yuan plunged into the river, the wisdom of survival wrapped in bamboo leaves, and the code of heritage written by generations of Chinese through the rhythm of daily life.
Legend of Millennia
The story of the Dragon Boat Festival begins 2,300 years ago during the Warring States Period. Qu Yuan, a poet of the Chu Kingdom, drowned himself on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, clasping a giant stone to express his loyalty after failing to save his nation. Villagers rowed boats to search for him in vain, then threw glutinous rice balls into the river to feed the fish—the earliest form of zongzi. The zongzi we enjoy today have evolved over millennia into over a hundred varieties, from savory pork-filled to sweet bean paste. With the spread of the internet, we’ve learned that northern China favors sweet zongzi, while southern China prefers savory ones. Every Dragon Boat Festival, the “sweet vs. salty” debate becomes a hot topic. So, which do you prefer?
Festival Customs
Dragon Boat Racing
The most widely known origin ties to Qu Yuan. After his death, villagers rowed boats to search for him, which gradually evolved into a folk tradition blending commemoration and competition. Dragon boat racing became grand in the Tang Dynasty, and flourished into comprehensive events with races and performances by the Song Dynasty.
Eating Salted Duck Eggs
Salted duck eggs are part of the “Five Reds of Dragon Boat Festival” (red-oil duck eggs, amaranth, lobster, roast duck, and realgar wine). Falling in early summer when diseases easily spread, salted duck eggs became a festival staple due to their long shelf life. The cured yolks, glossy and crimson, symbolize prosperity and vitality.
Hanging Mugwort
Mugwort’s distinct aroma repels insects and bacteria. Hung above doorways or crafted into sachets during the festival, it wards off the “Five Poisons” (snakes, scorpions, centipedes, etc.). Some regions boil mugwort for “mugwort baths” to dispel illness, while others shape it into dolls or “mugwort tigers” as protective charms.
Quiz Time
Test your knowledge:
Who was the Dragon Boat Festival originally meant to commemorate?
A) Confucius
B) Qu Yuan
C) Qin Shi Huang
When is the Dragon Boat Festival?
A) 5th day of the 6th lunar month
B) 15th day of the 6th lunar month
C) 5th day of the 5th lunar month
Which is not a children’s custom during the festival?
A) Eating tangyuan (sweet rice balls)
B) Tying five-colored threads
C) Wearing scented sachets
Share how many you got right with YRO, or tell us more Dragon Boat Festival facts you know!
Closing
The Dragon Boat Festival is not just about the fragrance of zongzi—it is a testament to the unbroken vitality of Chinese civilization. Whether in the fervor of dragon boat drums or the tranquility of mugwort’s scent, it whispers the eternal wish to “ward off evil and welcome blessings.” Wishing you a peaceful and healthy Dragon Boat Festival.
