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| Beijingshanghaichina » Festivals celebrated in Beijing and Shanghai » Dragon Boat Festival |
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Dragon Boat Festival |
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Dragon Boat Festival owes its origin in the Before Christ era . The festival is celebrated in the 5th day of the 5th month according to the lunar calendar .
History of Dragon Boat Festival :
Qu Yuan the extremely popular minister of Zhou dynasty committed suicide when he was framed and sent behind bars . When Emperor Zhou was vanquished and dethroned Qu Yuan committed suicide by drowning in Milou River . The local fishermen then arranged for the boats and started trumpeting the drums so that the fish cannot devour the dead body of Qu Yuan . They also threw a Chinese food prepared from rice called Zong Zi to divert the fish from eating the dead body of the minister .
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Boat races of Dragon Boat Festival:
The Chinese organize boat races in the rivers . The boats are the cynosure of all eyes which exude a flamboyant appeal . The mouth of the boat resembles a dragon . The boats are adorned with vibrant colors which glow to lend it a resplendent charm . The boats are very long which can accommodate 80 persons who can row . The boats are transformed into living creatures by painting their eyes in a holy ceremony according to the Chinese belief . The fast pace of the race is complemented by the pulsating beat of the drums belted by the drummers in the boat . There is also a person who is the flag bearer. The fast pace of the battery of boats coupled with the rowers rowing in an orchestrated synchrony adds a new dimension to the visual appeal of the festival . There are no restrictions on the number of participants competing the boat race . The myriad hues and shades of the boats bearing a striking resemblance to the dragon racing through the rivers lend a surreal beauty to the festival . It seems as if a flock of colorful dragons are competing with one another on the river to win the race . There is also a connotation attached to the festival that it obliterates the evil force .
Celebration of Dragon Boat Festival:
Some people wear specific items which ward off the evil spirit .They also hang pictures of Zhong Kui and drink alcoholic beverage with the common intention of wiping out the evil force. Zong Zi is the delicacy which is savored by the Chinese during Dragon Boat Festival . Zong Zi is rice ball stuffed with egg , meat , mushroom etc .
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