Dragon Boat Festival Revised

Dragon Boat Festival

With the approaching of the Dragon Boat Festival, the desire of going back home became stronger and stronger. As soon as I arrived home, I felt relaxed because the smell of sticky rice and reed leaves filled with the air. It is fantastic for me to make preparations for the Dragon Boat Festival with family. We will wrap zongzi together every year. The sweet zongzi wrapped by my mom and grandma is my favorite. Every time my mom and grandma were wrapping zongzi, I would go to take part in it voluntarily. Despite many attempts, my zongzi never quite match the perfection of my grandmother's, but the shared laughter and stories make the effort worthwhile. Different from the Chinese New Year's Eve, all of my family members will have a big meal together at noon, after making full preparations. It’s also one of happiest moments in that day.

Apart from wrapping zongzi, Dragon Boat race is also a tradition in the Dragon Boat Festival. Several days ago, International Dragon Boat Race was held in Nanchang City. The Gaoan dragon boat team from Yichun City won the champion of the standard dragon boat group in the 500-meter straight track race. As a citizen of Gaoan, I took pride in our team. Their outstanding behavior made a profound impression on my Dragon Boat Festival in 2024.

Various interesting activities constitute the special and traditional festival together. The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, holds a profound history and cultural significance in China. Originating from ancient rituals honoring the poet and patriot Qu Yuan, this festival has evolved into a meaningful celebration of tradition. When it comes to this festival, we will always come up with Qu Yuan, who was a minister in the ancient Chu Kingdom.

Qu Yuan, was famous for his wisdom, patriotism, and literary talents. However, his advice was often disregarded, and he was eventually exiled. In despair, he took his own life by throwing himself into the Miluo River. The people of Chu were deeply saddened by his death. Then they also launched boats into the river to search for his body, and threw the zongzi to prevent fish from eating his body. This tradition of dragon boat racing and eating zongzi have formed through the ages, becoming the central activities during the Dragon Boat Festival.

For me, the Dragon Boat Festival serves as a bridge connecting me to China's rich cultural heritage. As I participate in preparing zongzi with my family, I am reminded of the importance of tradition and community. The legend of Qu Yuan's sacrifice impresses deeply with me, inspiring me to insist the values of integrity, perseverance, and love for my country.

Among the many stories and legends surrounding the Dragon Boat Festival, the tale of Qu Yuan's life and death particularly stands out. His patriotism and self-sacrifice have become a symbol of Chinese culture, inspiring countless generations to strive for justice and righteousness. Through the Dragon Boat Festival, I'm able to appreciate this valuable cultural heritage, carrying it forward into the future.