As rivers across the country surged with the rhythmic splash of paddles and the thunder of beating drums, communities came together this week to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, an ancient tradition that continues to thrive in modern times. Locally known as Duanwu Jie (端午节), the festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the celebrations drew thousands to riverbanks and village squares, blending sport, culinary heritage, and cultural rituals in honor of the legendary poet Qu Yuan. A Legacy Rooted in Loyalty The story of Qu Yuan, a loyal minister of the Chu state during the Warring States period, lies at the heart of the Dragon Boat Festival. Exiled due to political betrayal and devastated by the fall of his kingdom, Qu Yuan ended his life by leaping into the Miluo River in 278 BCE. Local people, moved by his patriotism, raced out in boats to search for him, beating drums to scare away fish and tossing sticky rice into the water to distract spirits. These acts evolved into the dragon boat races and the traditional food known as zongzi.
Zongzi and Festive Customs Across homes and markets, families prepared and exchanged zongzi—glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Fillings varied by region, with sweet red bean paste popular in the north and savory pork-and-egg combinations in the south. In addition to food, traditional practices were visible throughout neighborhoods: mugwort and calamus plants hung on doors, fragrant sachets were worn by children, and five-colored silk threads adorned wrists as symbols of protection and good health. A Celebration with Global Reach Now recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Dragon Boat Festival has gained international popularity, with celebrations held in New York, Toronto, and Sydney. Chinese communities abroad continue to honor the festival, preserving traditions while embracing cross-cultural engagement. Final Reflections with Yuanxi As the dragon boats return to shore and the last zongzi is unwrapped, Yuanxi smiles, reminding us that festivals are bridges between the past and present. Through rituals, food, and community, the Dragon Boat Festival invites every generation to paddle forward—together—while honoring where they came from. So this year, as drums echo across the water, let Yuanxi’s story remind you: you’re not just watching a race, you’re part of a timeless tradition. Happy Dragon Boat Festival! 端午安康 (Duānwǔ ānkāng)!