The origin and tradition of the Dragon Boat Festival: a treasure of Chinese culture

Wu Zixu and another origin of the Dragon Boat Festival

In addition to the story of Qu Yuan, another origin theory of the Dragon Boat Festival is related to a man named Wu Zixu. His legendary experience is also full of tragic and patriotic feelings, adding another layer of meaning to this festival.

Wu Zixu was a general of the Chu State during the Spring and Autumn Period. His father was a teacher in the Chu State, but was imprisoned and executed by the King of Chu for being involved in court struggles. Wu Zixu and his brother Wu Shang tried to escape, but were hunted down on the way. Wu Shang was captured and executed, while Wu Zixu successfully fled to the Wu State.

In the Wu State, Wu Zixu won the trust of the King of Wu with his outstanding military talents and political wisdom and helped the Wu State become stronger. He assisted the King of Wu in launching a war of revenge and eventually defeated the Chu State. This victory not only avenged Wu Zixu's father and brother, but also made him an indispensable and important figure in the Wu State. However, such achievements also brought him the jealousy of powerful officials.

After the death of the King of Wu, the successor King Fuchai of Wu became suspicious of Wu Zixu and believed in slander, and ordered Wu Zixu to commit suicide. It is said that before being forced to commit suicide, Wu Zixu left a will, asking that his eyes be dug out and hung on the city gate to witness the future decline of Wu. This wish angered the King of Wu, and he ordered his body to be thrown into the river.

The local people respected Wu Zixu's loyalty and justice, and mourned him by dragon boat racing. It is said that the form of dragon boat racing symbolizes people's remembrance of Wu Zixu and their efforts to retrieve his body. This commemoration gradually evolved into one of the important traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival today.

Dragon Boat Festival Activities and Traditions

The rich cultural connotations of the Dragon Boat Festival are reflected in many activities and customs. These traditions are closely related to the origin of the festival and also embody people's yearning for health, happiness and a better life. The following are some of the most representative activities and traditions during the Dragon Boat Festival:

Dragon Boat Race: A Symbol of Speed ​​and Cooperation

The Dragon Boat Race is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching traditional activities of the Dragon Boat Festival.
- Characteristics of Dragon Boats: Dragon boats are longer than ordinary boats, usually about 20 to 35 meters long, and require 30 to 60 people to paddle together. The bow and stern are decorated with traditional Chinese dragon heads and tails, symbolizing strength and majesty.
- Control of rhythm: The drummer on the dragon boat is crucial. He controls the speed of paddling by beating the rhythm to keep the team members in sync. The faster the drums, the higher the paddling frequency, and the speed of the boat will increase accordingly.
- Significance of the activity: Dragon boat racing is not only a competitive activity, but also carries the commemoration of historical figures such as Qu Yuan, reflecting the spirit of teamwork and pursuit of goals.

Zongzi: Festival memories in deliciousness

Zongzi is the iconic food of the Dragon Boat Festival. It not only represents the festival tradition, but also carries deep emotions and historical memories.
- Production and shape: Zongzi is mainly made of glutinous rice, with rich and varied fillings, including meat, salted egg yolk, nuts, bean paste, etc. Zongzi is usually triangular or square, wrapped with bamboo leaves or reed leaves and tied with string before steaming.
- Salty and sweet dispute: The taste varies in different regions, with salty tastes in the south and sweet tastes in the north. This diversity shows the regional characteristics of Chinese cuisine.
- Cultural significance: Eating Zongzi is not only a heritage of Qu Yuan's spirit, but also a symbol of reunion and gratitude.

Hanging calamus and mugwort: a tradition of exorcising evil spirits and avoiding harm

Calamus and mugwort are important symbols of the Dragon Boat Festival. Hanging them in front of the door has the following symbolic meanings:
- Evil-repelling effect: It is traditionally believed that calamus and mugwort can expel evil spirits and diseases and bring peace to the family.
- Natural insect repellent: In the summer, mosquitoes breed, and the natural fragrance of these plants can also effectively repel insects.
This tradition combines practicality with symbolism, and is a manifestation of traditional Chinese wisdom.

Ancestor worship and blessing: the spirit of tracing back to the roots

- The importance of ancestor worship: The Dragon Boat Festival is an important time to commemorate ancestors and pray for blessings, and to express gratitude through worship.
- Cultural connotation: Ancestor worship not only inherits filial piety, but also connects family and history. It is an important manifestation of family unity and cultural identity.

Five-color silk thread: a symbol of beautiful meaning

During the Dragon Boat Festival, tying five-color silk threads is a beloved tradition, which means good luck and health.
- Colors and symbols: The five colors (blue, red, white, black, and yellow) represent the five elements of the five directions, and are regarded as auspicious colors that protect health.
- Continuation and development: The five-color silk thread gradually evolved into exquisite ornaments such as longevity threads and sachets, becoming a favorite folk art, and also adding to the fun and beauty of the festival.

The traditional activities of the Dragon Boat Festival are not only rich and colorful, but also deeply reflect the diversity and historical heritage of Chinese culture. Through dragon boat racing, rice dumplings, hanging plants, ancestor worship and blessing, and five-color silk threads, people not only enjoy the fun of the festival, but also remember history and convey good wishes. These traditions have gone through thousands of years of development and evolution and are still an indispensable part of Chinese culture.

Cultural variations of the Dragon Boat Festival outside of China

Although the Dragon Boat Festival originated in China, its cultural influence has long spread to other Eastern countries. Different cultures have integrated it into local customs, forming unique festival traditions. The following are the evolution and characteristics of the Dragon Boat Festival in some countries:

Japan: The joyful colors of Children's Day

In Japan, the Dragon Boat Festival is called "Children's Day" (こどもの日), which is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month every year. The focus of this festival is to pray for children's healthy growth and happy life. The festival customs are full of family atmosphere and symbolic meanings:
- The meaning of carp flags:
- Every family hangs carp flags (こいのぼり) outside the house, symbolizing hope and strength.
- The color of the flag represents the family members: black represents the father, red (or pink) represents the mother, and other colors represent the children. The eldest son usually uses red, and other children use blue or other colors of carp flags.
- Delicious cypress cakes:
- During the festival, families will make or buy cypress cakes (cypress cakes), a dessert made of glutinous rice, filled with red bean paste and wrapped in cypress leaves, which symbolizes happiness and longevity.
- This custom not only adds a sweet atmosphere to the festival, but also contains respect for nature.

South Korea: Gangneung Dano Festival Folk Festival

The Korean Dano Festival (단오) is most famous for its celebrations in the Gangneung area and is listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This festival combines shamanic rituals with local traditions, presenting a distinct Korean feature:
- Shamanic rituals:
- The Gangneung Dano Festival is a ritual to worship the mountain god held in Daegwallyeong, which is the core of the festival. The sacrifice is to pray for a good harvest and health, and also to express respect for nature.
- The lively atmosphere of Namjang Market:
- During the festival, Namjang Market becomes an important gathering place for people and is one of the largest open-air markets in South Korea.
- The market not only sells local specialties and handicrafts, but also hosts various games, dance performances and traditional wrestling competitions, adding fun and interactivity to the festival.

The Dragon Boat Festival has its own unique manifestations in different countries. This cultural variation reflects the strong adaptability and inclusiveness of the festival, and also reflects the diversity and influence of Eastern culture in its historical transmission.

Conclusion: The Eternal Charm of the Dragon Boat Festival

As an important festival of Chinese culture, the Dragon Boat Festival not only carries a long history, but also shines in the long river of time with its rich traditional activities and profound cultural connotations. From commemorating Qu Yuan's loyalty and patriotism to integrating the multiple meanings of blessing, reunion and ancestor worship, the Dragon Boat Festival shows the Chinese people's awe and love for family, ancestors and nature.

Outside of China, the influence of the Dragon Boat Festival has long transcended national boundaries and integrated into other cultures, forming a variety of unique celebration methods, showing the diversity and adaptability of festival culture. Whether it is the passion of dragon boat racing or the warmth of the fragrance of zongzi, the Dragon Boat Festival connects history and modernity, tradition and innovation in its unique way, allowing every generation to feel the inheritance of culture and the power of life.

The charm of the Dragon Boat Festival is not limited to the day of the festival. It gives us the opportunity to stop in our daily busy lives and feel the warmth between people, as well as the sense of belonging and pride that culture gives us. No matter where we are, the Dragon Boat Festival will remind us in its own unique way to cherish the present, recall the past and look forward to the future.