The Origins of the Dragon Boat Festival 2025

The Dragon Boat Festival has deep historical roots, with its most famous origin story linked to Qu Yuan, a revered poet and minister of the Chu State during the Warring States Period (475–221 BCE). Qu Yuan was a loyal statesman who, upon being exiled due to political intrigue, drowned himself in the Miluo River in despair. According to legend, local villagers rushed to save him, paddling out in boats and throwing sticky rice dumplings into the water to prevent fish from consuming his body. This act is said to have inspired the dragon boat races and the tradition of eating zongzi during the festival.

However, some historians suggest that the festival predates Qu Yuan and was originally a health and protection ritual. The fifth lunar month was historically considered an ominous time when diseases and pests were rampant, leading ancient Chinese communities to adopt customs such as hanging wormwood and calamus, drinking realgar wine, and wearing perfume pouches to ward off evil.

What’s in a number?

The Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, making it one of the few traditional Chinese festivals tied to this specific lunar calculation. In 2025, it will be celebrated on Saturday, 31 May.

Significance of the Date

1. The Number Five in Chinese Tradition

   • The festival’s date—double fifth (5/5)—has historically been considered inauspicious in Chinese culture. The fifth lunar month was believed to bring illness and misfortune, which is why the customs of wearing perfume sachets, hanging wormwood, and drinking realgar wine were adopted to ward off evil.

1. Seasonal Changes

   • The festival occurs during early summer, a time when weather turns humid and pests become more common. Many festival traditions aim to prevent disease and ensure health during this seasonal transition.

1. Connections to Ancient Astronomy

• The lunar calendar places the festival in alignment with certain seasonal changes. Some theories suggest the festival was originally linked to early agrarian rituals, ensuring prosperity and protection during the planting season.

Because of these reasons, the Dragon Boat Festival holds deep cultural and symbolic significance beyond its famous traditions. It’s not just about boats and dumplings—it’s a festival with layers of meaning!

How the Dragon Boat Festival is Celebrated in China

Dragon Boat Racing

One of the most thrilling aspects of the Dragon Boat Festival 2025 is the dragon boat races, which take place across China’s rivers and lakes. These races feature long, ornately decorated boats with dragon heads.

There are two types of boats: 10-seater and 20-seater, which refers to the number of paddlers in the boat. Paddlers sit in twos side-by-side, and each athlete has a single-bladed paddle. All boats have a drummer and a steerer, and athletes paddle to the rhythm of the drum. The races symbolise the villagers’ attempt to rescue Qu Yuan and have evolved into a competitive sport, attracting thousands of spectators.

Eating Zongzi

The festival is synonymous with zongzi, a traditional sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. The fillings vary by region:

• Northern China prefers sweet zongzi, filled with red bean paste or dates.
• Southern China enjoys savoury zongzi, stuffed with pork, salted egg yolk, and mushrooms.

Other Customs and Activities

Beyond racing and feasting, the Dragon Boat Festival includes several customs:

• Hanging Wormwood and Calamus: These plants are believed to repel insects and evil spirits – a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Drinking Realgar Wine: Traditionally consumed to detoxify the body and ward off disease.
• Wearing Perfume Pouches: Small sachets filled with fragrant herbs, worn by children for protection.

Regional Customs

China’s vast geography and rich cultural diversity mean that the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated with unique customs in different regions. Here are some fascinating traditions:

Hebei Province

• People in Hebei avoid fetching water from wells on the festival day, believing that water on this day may cause illness.

Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces

• In Jiangsu and Zhejiang, some communities commemorate Wu Zixu, a historical figure who was wronged and executed. His story is honoured alongside Qu Yuan’s.
• In Shaoxing, Zhejiang, the festival is also linked to Cao’e, a filial daughter who drowned while trying to save her father. Locals hold ceremonies in her memory.

Southern China

• Guangdong and Fujian host elaborate dragon boat races, often accompanied by lion dances and other performances.
• In Guangxi, people make five-coloured threads to wear as bracelets, believed to protect against evil.

Northern China

• In Beijing, people traditionally eat sweet zongzi filled with red bean paste or dates, while southern regions prefer savoury versions.
• Shanxi has a custom where people write charms on paper and burn them to drive away bad luck.

Tibet and Yunnan

• In Tibet, the festival is celebrated with horse racing rather than dragon boat racing.
• Yunnan communities incorporate ethnic dances and rituals, blending the festival with local traditions.

Each region adds its own flavour to the Dragon Boat Festival, making it a truly diverse and fascinating celebration.

Dragon Boat Festival 2025 Celebrations Beyond China

The Dragon Boat Festival is not confined to China; it has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in regions with Chinese communities. Countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Taiwan celebrate it under the name Bak Chang Festival (Dumpling Festival). In these places, the focus is on zongzi-making, cultural performances, and dragon boat races.

In the United Kingdom, cities like London, Nottingham, and Shrewsbury host dragon boat races, often as charity events. These races bring together corporate teams, local communities, and sports enthusiasts, making the festival a lively and inclusive occasion.

Conclusion

The Dragon Boat Festival is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and community spirit.

Whether in China or abroad, the festival continues to thrive, bringing people together through tradition, food, and exhilarating races. As the end of May 2025 approaches, preparations are already underway for another spectacular celebration of this ancient festival.

FAQs

1.When is the Dragon Boat Festival?

The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday that occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, which corresponds to late May or early June in the Gregorian calendar.

2. What is the story behind the festival?
The holiday commemorates Qu Yuan who was the beloved prime minister of the southern Chinese state of Chu during the Warring States period, about 600 B.C. to 200 B.C., Qu Yuan drowned himself after being politically exiled.

3. What TCM herb is associated with the Dragon festival?
People hang medicinal herbs such as mugwort and calamus around their doors to deter pests and evil spirits. These herbs are believed to purify the air and prevent illnesses, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.