CMBL - A guide to the festival The Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival, Du\u0026w\u00f3 Ji\u2013Double Fifth, Tuen Ng Jit) is a traditional holiday that commemorates the life and death of the famous Chinese poet Qu Yuan (Chu Yuan). Legend of Qu Yuan Qu Yuan was a renowned Chinese poet, statesman, and philosopher during the Warring States period. He is best known for his patriotic writings and tragic death. The Dragon Boat Festival has its origins in the myth of Qu Yuan's death. According to legend, when Qu Yuan drowned himself in a river as a form of protest against corruption and injustice, local villagers found him floating in the water and threw rice into the water to scare away fish that might be eating his body. They then quickly built boats and raced them through the water to keep up with him, singing songs and telling stories to distract themselves from their grief. Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. It is a time for family reunions, traditional foods, and dragon boat racing competitions. Activities and Customs The festival features several traditional activities, including dragon boat racing, lion dancing, and the singing of traditional songs. The most iconic activity, however, is the throwing of zongzi, small glutinous rice dumplings filled with various ingredients such as meat, fish, or vegetables. Cultural Connotations The Dragon Boat Festival has significant cultural connotations in China. It symbolizes the struggle for justice and the importance of human life. The festival also highlights the value of community and family bonding. Traditional Foods One of the most iconic foods associated with the Dragon Boat Festival is zongzi, which is a traditional Chinese delicacy made from glutinous rice and various fillings. Other popular foods include fish, meat, and vegetables. Legend of Qu Yuan The legend of Qu Yuan's death has been passed down for generations and continues to be an important part of Chinese folklore. It serves as a reminder of the poet's sacrifice and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.