May 30, 2025
Who doesn’t love dragons? From Toothless in How to Train Your Dragon to Smaug in The Hobbit to good old Puff, the Magic Dragon from the popular song. Dragons are everywhere in pop culture, but nowhere are they more deeply woven into tradition and symbolism than in China.
Dragons symbolize many qualities, especially in Chinese culture—power, wisdom, strength, and good fortune are just a few of the virtues they represent. So, it’s no surprise that these mythical creatures feature prominently in Chinese festivals, particularly the Dragon Boat Festival.
This annual celebration takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar (this year, May 31st). During the festival, celebrants enjoy zongzi—sticky rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves—drink Realgar wine, and hang mugwort over their doors to ward off disease and evil spirits.
The highlight of the festival is the thrilling dragon boat races, where long, narrow wooden boats decorated like dragons race across the water. According to legend, most Chinese dragons dwell in water, making them a fitting symbol for the occasion. But the origins of the festival go deeper, rooted in the tragic tale of Qu Yuan.
Qu Yuan was a poet and advisor in the court of Chu during the Warring States period of Chinese history. He advocated for a strategic alliance with the state of Qi to defend against the powerful state of Qin. However, his advice was seen as disloyal, and he was exiled.
Unfortunately, Qu Yuan was right. The Qin eventually captured the King of Chu, and his successor surrendered soon after. Devastated by the downfall of his homeland, Qu Yuan is said to have drowned himself in the Miluo River in Hunan Province in 278 B.C.
So what does this have to do with dragon boats? According to legend, villagers raced out in boats to try to save him. When they couldn’t find him, they tossed rice into the river to feed the fish—hoping the fish would eat the rice instead of Qu Yuan’s body. This act is symbolized today by the preparation and sharing of zongzi.
Of course, the story of Qu Yuan is just one theory behind the festival’s origins. Like many holidays, the Dragon Boat Festival blends history, mythology, and cultural symbolism—particularly the reverence for dragons.
In addition to honoring Qu Yuan, the festival also serves to protect against illness and misfortune. The fifth month is considered unlucky, and the fifth day especially so. Ancient beliefs hold that poisonous creatures and bad omens are more active during this time, making the festival’s rituals important for protection.
While the official Chinese Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in May, similar festivals take place throughout the year in countries around the world—including the United States. States like Florida, Vermont, and Texas all host dragon boat festivals of their own.
So if one happens near you, check it out—you won’t want to miss the vibrant celebration, rich history, and exhilarating sight of racing dragon boats!
Pamela M.
Antioch Branch
