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浏览Title: The Dragon Boat Festival: A Traditional Chinese Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which usually falls in June or July in the Gregorian calendar.
The festival has a long history, dating back to the战国时期 (770 BC - 221 BC) in China. According to legend, the Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the life and death of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and minister in ancient China. Legend has it that Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River after being exiled by the emperor. The local people rushed to rescue him, but it was too late. To prevent his body from being eaten by fish and other creatures in the river, they made rice dumplings and threw them into the water. Today, eating zongzi (rice dumplings) and racing dragon boats are two main traditions during the festival.
The festival is celebrated in many different ways across China, but the most common activities include dragon boat races, eating zongzi, and performing dragon boat rituals. In addition, the festival is also observed in other countries, such as Japan and South Korea.
One of the most significant aspects of the Dragon Boat Festival is the dragon boat race. Dragon boat teams are formed by combining members from different departments or communities. The race involves paddling a long, narrow boat decorated with a dragon head and tail. The team members paddle in unison, with the steersman rowing the boat. The goal of the race is to reach the finish line first and to win a prize.
Eating zongzi is another important tradition during the festival. Zongzi are round rice dumplings made from glutinous rice flour, which is wrapped in bamboo leaves and boiled in water. They can be stuffed with various ingredients, such as pork, chicken, or vegetables. Eating zongzi is considered to be a way to honor Qu Yuan and to prevent his spirit from being eaten by fish.
Dragon boat rituals are also performed during the festival. These rituals involve making offerings to the dragon and to the dead. They believe that the dragon will protect them and their families during the festival. The rituals also include dancing, singing, and other cultural performances.
In conclusion, the Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese festival that has a long history. It is celebrated in many different ways, including dragon boat races, eating zongzi, and performing dragon boat rituals. This festival is an important time for people to remember Qu Yuan and to honor the dead. It is also a time for family and friends to come together to enjoy the various activities and rituals that make up the festival.