The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival (端午节), is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually in June). With over 2,000 years of history, it honors the patriotic poet Qu Yuan (340–278 BC), who drowned himself in protest against corruption.

Key Traditions

1. Dragon Boat Racing 

• Teams paddle colorful boats to the rhythm of drums, reenacting the rescue attempt for Qu Yuan.

2. Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings) 

• Pyramid-shaped treats wrapped in bamboo leaves, filled with sweet or savory ingredients like red bean, pork, or egg yolk.

3. Hanging Herbs & Wearing Sachets 

• People hang mugwort and calamus to ward off evil spirits and wear fragrant sachets for protection.

4. Realgar Wine 

• An ancient custom of drinking wine mixed with realgar (a mineral) to repel pests and disease.