What is a dragon boat festival? Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month

Posted January 26, 200025 yr

Dear cecil,
What is a dragon boat. Thanks.

3 weeks later...

Posted February 14, 200025 yr

Staff

Dear Anon,

The 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar is regarded as the most perilous day. This month, known as the Dragon Month, necessitates heightened vigilance against illnesses and diseases. The Dragon Boat Festival aims to repel malevolent forces and marks the onset of summer.

In the year 2000, the Dragon Boat Festival is observed on June 6.

The narrative dates back to around 300 BC, featuring Qu Yuan, a loyal advisor to the King. His position incited jealousy in another advisor, Zi Lan, who resented the King's preference for Qu Yuan's counsel. Following the King's capture and subsequent death in prison, his eldest son ascended to the throne and appointed Zi Lan as the premier. The new premier then exiled Qu Yuan, leading to the eventual downfall of the King's empire at the hands of enemies.

Devastated by these events, Qu Yuan chose to end his life. Concerned citizens, along with his daughter, feared that fish would consume his remains. To prevent this, his daughter proposed offering rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves to the fish in the river. In honor of Qu Yuan, dragon boat races and the consumption of dumplings on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month became traditional practices. This celebration is particularly prominent in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Warmest Regards,
Cecil