Dragon Boat Festival: A Festive Occasion Celebrated in Taiwan

Unraveling the Traditions and Significance

What is the Dragon Boat Festival?

The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Duānwǔ jié in Mandarin, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. In Taiwan, it is also commonly referred to as the Double Fifth Festival.

Celebrations in Taiwan

During the Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan, locals and visitors alike partake in a variety of activities and traditions. One of the highlights is the dragon boat races, where teams compete by paddling elaborately decorated boats. The races are accompanied by cheerful drumming and loud cheers.

Zongzi and Realgar Wine

Another integral part of the festival is the consumption of zongzi, pyramid-shaped rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. These dumplings are often filled with various ingredients, such as sticky rice, meat, and vegetables. Additionally, realgar wine, known for its medicinal properties, is a traditional beverage enjoyed during this time.

Significance and Customs

The Dragon Boat Festival is believed to have originated as a commemoration of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who drowned himself in the Miluo River. The festival serves as a reminder of his loyalty and sacrifice, and it is believed that the dragon boat races represent the attempts to rescue him.

Other customs associated with the festival include hanging mugwort and calamus leaves on doors and windows to ward off evil spirits, wearing colorful sachets filled with fragrant herbs, and burning bamboo leaves to create a fragrant atmosphere.