NEWS INFORMATION

The Origin of the Dragon Boat Festival
There are numerous theories regarding the origin of the Dragon Boat (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month), primarily revolving around two main themes: nature worship and the commemoration of historical figures. The following are the mainstream theories:

1.Commemor Qu Yuan (The most mainstream theory)
Qu Yuan, a poet of the State of Chu during the Warring States period, was marginalized by nobles for advocating an alliance with Qi resist Qin and was exiled to the Yuan and Xiang River basins. In 278 BC, when the Qin army captured the Chu capital, Qu Yuan committed suicide by jumping into Miluo River with a stone on the fifth day of the fifth month. To commemorate him, people rowed boats to rescue him (which evolved into dragon boat racing), threw rice and eggs into the river to feed the fish (which evolved into eating zongzi), and poured realgar wine into the water to drive away aquatic beasts. These actions gradually solidified the customs of the Dragon Boat Festival.

2.Commemorating Wu Zixu
Wu Zixu, a high official of the State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period was executed by King Fuchai of Wu for his candid advice, and his body was thrown into the river on the fifth day of the fifth month. In the Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it is passed down that later generations commemorate his loyalty and martyrdom on the Dragon Boat Festival.

3.Commemorating the Filial Daughter Cao E
Cao E, a filial daughter Shangyu during the Eastern Han Dynasty, jumped into the river to search for her drowned father and brought his body out five days later. To commemorate her filial piety, the local area the fifth day of the fifth month as a festival, forming the tradition of the "Cao E Sacrifice."

Nature Worship and Warding Off Evil
In ancient times, the month was considered an "evil month" and the fifth day an "evil day," when poisonous insects bred and epidemics easily broke out. Therefore, the Dragon Boat Festival customs initially carried primitive belief of warding off evil and epidemics and praying for health and safety, which was related to ancient nature worship activities such as dragon sacrifices and the Summer Solstice Festival.

 Customs of the Dragon Boat Festival
The customs of the Dragon Boat Festival combine ritual and practicality, centering on "warding off evil and epidemics," "commemorating historical figures," "praying for blessings and health." The following are typical customs:

Dragon Boat Racing
Originating from the legend of people rowing boats to rescue Qu Yuan, it is the iconic activity of the Dragon Boat Festival. The collaborative process of rowing together not only embodies the spirit of collectivism but also conveys remembrance of the historical figure.

Eating ZongziInitially, this was the act of people throwing food into the river to feed the fish and protect Qu Yuan's body, which later evolved into a festive delicacy. Zongzi made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, filled with red dates, bean paste, fresh meat, and other fillings. Flavors vary between the north and south, today they have become a symbol of reunion and blessing.

Hanging Mugwort and Calamus
According to the folk saying, "Plant willows at Qingming, hang mug at Dragon Boat Festival," households hang mugwort and calamus at their doors. This is not only because the two have the practical effect of repelling mosquitoes and flies and purifying air, but also because they carry the meaning of "warding off evil and epidemics, and ensuring peace and safety."

Wearing Scented Sachets and Tying Five- Silk Cords
Scented Sachets: Sewn with five-colored silk threads and filled with Chinese herbs like mugwort leaves and mint, they emit a fragrance to repel and insects, and also serve as auspicious charms for blessings.
Five-Colored Silk Cords: Woven from red, yellow, blue, white, and black silk threads, are tied around children's wrists and ankles. Legend has it that they can repel poisonous insects and ensure safety. They are cut off during the first rain after the festival to let rainwater "wash away diseases and disasters."

Drinking Realgar Wine and Painting Foreheads
Realgar is believed to have the effect of "killing a hundred poisons." People soak real in wine and apply it to children's ears, noses, and foreheads (painting the character "Wang"), or spray it in corners, doors, and windows to drive away insects like snakes and scorpions.

Other Customs
Eating Duck Eggs: In some regions, it is believed that eating eggs boiled in the zongzi pot during the Dragon Boat prevents sores in summer; sun-dried duck eggs can prevent headaches.
Stepping in Dew: In the early morning, children are taken to the countryside to touch the dew onwort leaves and wipe their faces, which is said to brighten the eyes and refresh the mind.
Daughter's Festival: Married daughters return to their parents' homes to celebrate festival and pray for the health of their family, which is a unique family custom in some regions.