端午节的由来用英语说

The Origin of Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. This festival has a rich history and cultural significance dating back over 2,000 years.

Legend of Qu Yuan

The origin of the Dragon Boat Festival is often associated with the patriotic poet and statesman, Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States period of ancient China. Qu Yuan served the state of Chu but was exiled due to court intrigue by corrupt officials.

During his exile, Qu Yuan wrote many famous poems expressing his love for his country and his people. In 278 BC, upon hearing news of his country’s defeat in war, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River as an act of despair and protest against corruption.

Dragon Boat Racing

To commemorate Qu Yuan and to prevent fish and water dragons from eating his body, villagers raced out in boats, banging drums and splashing water with their paddles to scare away the creatures. This is said to be the origin of dragon boat racing, a central activity during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Zongzi, Incense, and Other Traditions

Other traditions associated with the festival include eating zongzi, which are glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Zongzi are often prepared and shared among families and friends during this holiday.

People also hang up bunches of mugwort and calamus, and wear perfumed medicine bags to ward off evil spirits. In some regions, there are also customs of wearing fivecolored silk thread and tying silk threads to children's wrists to bring good luck and protect them from illness.

Conclusion

The Dragon Boat Festival is an important cultural holiday in China, symbolizing patriotism, unity, and the importance of traditional values. It is celebrated with various customs and activities that have been passed down through generations, connecting people to their heritage and reinforcing community bonds.