Language/Mandarin-chinese/Culture/Dragon-Boat-Festival-and-Zongzi
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Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls on a day in June in the Gregorian calendar. It is often referred to as the "Dragon Boat Festival" because of the dragon boat races that take place during the festival. The festival is also known for the consumption of Zongzi, a traditional Chinese food made of glutinous rice stuffed with different fillings and wrapped in bamboo leaves. In this lesson, you will learn about the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival, the significance of dragon boat races, and the history and culture of Zongzi.
Origins of Dragon Boat Festival
The origins of the Dragon Boat Festival are traced back to the ancient Chinese statesman and poet Qu Yuan (343-278 BC). Qu Yuan was a loyal official of the Kingdom of Chu, which was located in what is now the central region of China. Qu Yuan was known for his wisdom and upright character. However, he was exiled from his court due to the influence of corrupt officials. During his exile, he wrote many famous poems, including "Lisao" and "Chuci", which are still celebrated today for their literary value.
In 278 BC, Qu Yuan learned that the Kingdom of Chu had been conquered by a neighboring state. Overcome with grief and despair, he committed suicide by jumping into the Miluo River. The people of Chu were devastated by the loss of the well-respected official and poet. They raced to the river in their boats, trying to rescue Qu Yuan, or at least retrieve his body. They also threw Zongzi into the water to prevent fish from eating Qu Yuan's body. From that time on, the Dragon Boat Festival has been celebrated in remembrance of Qu Yuan's life and death.
Dragon Boat Races
The Dragon Boat Festival is famous for dragon boat races that take place all over China, as well as in other countries with significant Chinese populations. A dragon boat is a long, narrow, and colorful boat with a dragon head at the front and a dragon tail at the back. The boat is manned by a team of paddlers who must paddle it to the beat of a drum. All of the boats race along a predetermined course while spectators cheer them on.
The dragon boat races are loud, colorful and exciting, and they are an important cultural event in China. Since the 1970s, dragon boat racing has become an international sport, with teams from all over the world competing in various competitions.
Zongzi
Zongzi is the most popular food eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. It is a type of glutinous rice dumpling that is wrapped in bamboo leaves and boiled or steamed. The fillings can vary, but typically include pork, salted duck egg yolks, mushrooms, and chestnuts.
There are many different regional variations of Zongzi, each with a unique taste and texture. In the north of China, sweet Zongzi made with red bean paste is popular, while in the south, savory Zongzi filled with savory meats or vegetables are more common.
Zongzi is also an important gift during the Dragon Boat Festival. Friends and family exchange Zongzi to show their love and care for each other.
Conclusion
The Dragon Boat Festival is an important cultural event in China, and dragon boat racing and Zongzi are two of its most important components. The festival is a time to remember Qu Yuan's life and contributions to Chinese culture, and to gather with friends and family to enjoy the races, the food, and each other's company.
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