Chinese Dragon Boat Festival

also known as the Duanwu Festival (端午节), is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, so the date varies each year according to the Gregorian calendar.

Origins and Significance:

The festival commemorates the death of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan (屈原), who lived in the 3rd century BC during the Warring States period. Qu Yuan, a minister of the State of Chu, committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River after Chu was occupied by an enemy. The local people, to prevent the fish from eating his body, paddled their boats and threw rice balls (zongzi) into the river, giving rise to the current dragon boat races and the tradition of eating zongzi.

Festival Traditions:

– Dragon Boat Races: Teams paddle long boats decorated with dragon heads and tails, competing to reach the finish line first.
– Eating Zongzi: Glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, often filled with meat, beans, or dates.
– Drinking Realgar Wine: A medicinal wine believed to ward off diseases and evil spirits.
– Wearing Fragrant Pouches: Filled with aromatic herbs, these pouches are worn for protection against diseases.

Symbolism:

The festival celebrates patriotism, loyalty, and the sacrifice of Qu Yuan, and it is an important occasion for cultural reflection and the celebration of Chinese traditions.

Modern Celebration:

Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is a public holiday in China and is celebrated with cultural events, sporting activities, and various traditional rituals, keeping ancient customs alive.

Labour Day Holiday from May 1^st 2025 until May 5^th 2025

Labour Day—also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day—is observed worldwide to honour the social and economic achievements of workers.