The Dragon Boat Festival Celebration
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is one of China's important traditional festivals, usually celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The origin of this festival can be traced back to the commemoration of the great poet Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the Chu State during the Warring States period. It is said that Qu Yuan drowned himself in the river out of despair for his country's demise. To prevent fish and shrimp from harming his body, the local people paddled their boats to drive them away and threw rice dumplings into the river as a tribute. Thus, dragon boat racing and eating zongzi (rice dumplings) became traditional customs of the Dragon Boat Festival.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, people not only make and enjoy various flavors of zongzi but also participate in dragon boat races to honor Qu Yuan's loyalty and patriotism. Additionally, customs such as hanging mugwort and drinking realgar wine are observed to ward off diseases and ensure safety. This festival is not only a time for family reunions but also an important opportunity to pass on Chinese culture and promote patriotism. Every year, through a variety of celebratory activities, people express their respect and remembrance for Qu Yuan, enhance their relationships with family and friends, and uphold the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation.
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