The vibrant and historic Dragon Boat Festival will be celebrated today, June 10, 2024. This annual festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, which falls in late May or June according to the Gregorian calendar.
What is the Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Double Fifth Festival, is a celebration steeped in history and tradition. For over 2,000 years, people have been celebrating this day with various cultural activities and customs.
You are watching: Dragon Boat Festival 2024: Google Doodle Honors the Tradition
This year, Google Doodle honors the festival with a special illustration, inviting everyone to “go with the flow.” The doodle highlights the long-standing significance of the festival and its vibrant customs.
Who was Quo Yuan?
The festival commemorates Qu Yuan, a renowned Chinese scholar and poet of the Warring States period (475-221 BC). According to legend, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River, saddened by the corruption of his times.
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To prevent the fish from eating his body, locals rushed out in boats to scare them away, and threw rice dumplings into the water as offerings. This act of devotion and respect is the core of the Dragon Boat Festival traditions.
Why is this festival important?
The Dragon Boat Festival holds deep cultural significance for many reasons. It honors the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, who protested against corruption by sacrificing himself. His story reflects the values of patriotism and loyalty, inspiring people to stay devoted to their country.
In addition, the festival is believed to ward off evil. The fifth lunar month was considered inauspicious, so customs such as dragon boat racing and drinking realgar wine were intended to ward off evil spirits and diseases.
How do people celebrate?
The festival is celebrated with various traditions that vary slightly by region. The main event is the dragon boat race. Long, ornately decorated boats with teams of paddlers race fiercely to the rhythm of drums, creating a thrilling spectacle.
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Families and friends gather to enjoy zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. Fillings ranging from savory meats to sweet red bean paste make zongzi a favorite festive dish.
What are other festival traditions?
In addition to dragon boat races and zongzi feasts, people wear five-coloured silk sashes to ward off misfortune or hang images of the mythical Zhong Kui who defeated demons. These practices are believed to bring good luck and protection.
The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by lion dances, dragon dances and live operas. In some areas, traditional songs and unicorn dances are performed, adding to the cultural richness of the festival.
What does Google Doodle say?
Google Doodle’s tribute to the Dragon Boat Festival notes that “anywhere along the water, people will flock to watch the day’s main event: dragon boat racing.” Teams of up to 90 people row in long wooden boats painted to resemble colorful dragons.
Before the race begins, the dragon’s eyes are painted to bring it to life. The teams then paddle to the beat of drums, aiming to reach the finish line before their rivals. This tradition not only entertains but also strengthens the community spirit.
Source: https://th-xuyenmoc.edu.vn
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