Today is the Dragon Boat Festival | May all good things come your way, one after another!

　　Origins of the Dragon Boat Festival

　　There are various theories about the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival, with the most widely accepted and deeply rooted being the one that commemorates Qu Yuan.

　　During the Warring States period, Qu Yuan devoted himself to serving his country but was ostracized and slandered by the aristocracy. Even after being exiled, he remained deeply concerned for the state of Chu. When he learned that the Chu capital, Ying, had fallen to the Qin, he was overcome with grief and indignation and, on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, threw himself into the river, clutching a boulder. To honor his memory, the people rowed boats to search for his body and tossed zongzi into the water to keep fish and shrimp from devouring it. From then on, every year on this day, people have raced dragon boats and eaten zongzi, gradually giving rise to the Dragon Boat Festival.

　　In addition, the Dragon Boat Festival is also associated with commemorations of figures such as Wu Zixu, Cao E, and Jie Zhitui. Overall, throughout its historical development, the festival has integrated a variety of elements—ritual sacrifices, exorcism, and remembrance—gradually evolving into an important traditional holiday rich in cultural significance and distinctive customs. In September 2009, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization formally reviewed and approved the inscription of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, making it China’s first festival to be recognized as such.

　　Traditional Folk Customs of the Dragon Boat Festival

　　Eat zongzi

　　Eating zongzi is a time-honored tradition of the Dragon Boat Festival, rich in cultural significance. Historical records indicate that as early as the Spring and Autumn period, “jiaoshu” and “tongzong” were already being made. There are various theories about the origin of zongzi; the most widely known is that it commemorates Qu Yuan, whose followers tossed zongzi into the river to prevent fish and shrimp from devouring his body, a practice that later evolved into a Dragon Boat Festival custom.

　　In ancient times, zongzi were filled with simple ingredients such as glutinous rice, red dates, and sweet bean paste. Over time, regional specialties emerged: northern zongzi tend to be sweet, while southern varieties offer a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, with rich and varied fillings. Moreover, the shape, size, and wrapping style of zongzi differ from one region to another—for example, square-shaped zongzi in Suzhou and triangular ones in Guangdong.

　　The custom of eating zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival has thrived in China for thousands of years, becoming one of the most influential and widely practiced folk culinary traditions of the Chinese nation—and it has also spread to Korea, Japan, and various Southeast Asian countries.

　　Dragon Boat Racing

　　Dragon boat racing is a highly passionate and energetic traditional custom associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. According to legend, it originated as a tribute to Qu Yuan, with people paddling dragon boats in water races in an effort to retrieve his body.

　　The dragon-boat race is a grand spectacle, with numerous strong athletes working in unison to propel the boats through the waves on the river. The dragon boats are exquisitely crafted, their prows and sterns lavishly decorated, while colorful flags flutter in the breeze. Drummers beat vigorously to keep the rowers in perfect rhythm, and the participants chant loud, unified slogans as they execute precise, synchronized movements, embodying a spirit of unity and collaboration. This tradition is not only highly competitive but also reflects people’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage and their love of life, making it one of the most iconic events of the Dragon Boat Festival.

　　Hang mugwort leaves

　　The custom of hanging mugwort leaves during the Dragon Boat Festival has a long history. In ancient times, the fifth month was regarded as an “unlucky month,” and to ward off evil spirits and prevent epidemics, people would hang mugwort leaves on this occasion. It was believed then that the distinctive aroma of mugwort could repel insects, dispel evil influences, and guard against disease.

　　In modern times, despite significant advances in scientific understanding, the custom of hanging mugwort leaves has persisted. On the one hand, it serves as a vessel for passing down traditional culture, helping us remember our history; on the other hand, even today, some of mugwort’s purported benefits are still recognized, such as its demonstrated insect-repelling properties.

　　Today, hanging mugwort leaves during the Dragon Boat Festival is not only a tribute to an ancient tradition but also a way for people to reconnect with their cultural roots and express their hopes and aspirations amid the hustle and bustle of modern life—allowing us to still feel the warmth and strength that have been passed down from the depths of history.

　　Wearing a scented sachet

　　In ancient times, people meticulously crafted scented sachets filled with aromatic herbs and spices. Wearing these sachets was believed to ward off insects and evil spirits, while also invoking peace and good health; at the same time, they served as decorative ornaments. People would either wear them on their person or hang them indoors, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Today, this custom endures, preserving the charm of traditional culture and allowing people to experience the unique allure and heartfelt blessings of the Dragon Boat Festival.

　　Drink realgar wine

　　Drinking realgar wine during the Dragon Boat Festival has a long history. Legend has it that realgar wine possesses the powers of warding off evil and detoxifying; ancient people believed that consuming it on the festival would repel malevolent spirits and ensure safety and peace. People would mix realgar into wine and drink a small amount during the holiday. Later, realgar wine was also applied to children’s foreheads to protect them from insects and snakes, and it was sprinkled around rooms for disinfection and sterilization. This custom reflects people’s hopes for good health and a prosperous life, and has become one of the distinctive cultural symbols of the Dragon Boat Festival. Although drinking realgar wine is no longer as common today, the traditional significance it carries is still cherished.

　　The fragrant aroma of zongzi fills the air, tying hearts to the Dragon Boat Festival.

　　On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, our company organized a “Deep Affection for the Dragon Boat Festival” event, inviting employees to handcraft traditional festival delicacies and carry forward this millennia-old cultural sentiment.

　　By personally making dumplings, sweet rice cakes, and special zongzi, the employees immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere and experienced a profound sense of accomplishment and joy from creating these delicious treats.

　　By personally preparing these delicacies for the Dragon Boat Festival, everyone gained a deep appreciation for the wisdom and zest for life of our ancestors, allowing this ancient tradition to continue shining with enduring charm in modern society. At the same time, the collaborative cooking process strengthened communication and cooperation among employees. Through mutual learning and support, the team’s cohesion and sense of unity were subtly enhanced. This shared effort to accomplish a common goal allowed each participant to experience the power and warmth of the collective.