Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Double Fifth Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival with profound cultural significance. This festival, celebrated annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, pays tribute to the ancient poet Qu Yuan and his patriotism.
The festival commences with the preparation of zongzi, a delicacy synonymous with the Dragon Boat Festival. Making zongzi is quite challenging. You must gather essential ingredients like glutinous rice, bamboo leaves, and desired fillings such as mung beans, pork belly, or other traditional ingredients. To assemble, take two soaked bamboo leaves and overlap them to fashion a cone shape. Fill the cone with a spoonful of glutinous rice, followed by the chosen filling. Fold the leaves over the rice and filling to create a pyramid shape. Boil the Zongzi for the required duration, and then you're ready to indulge. My mother makes zongzi every year when I'm home, and our entire family gathers to enjoy a festive dinner.
However, this Dragon Boat Festival stood apart from the rest. This year, instead of returning home, I chose to celebrate the festival in Nanchang. I visited renowned landmarks like Wanshou Palace and The August 1 Uprising Memorial Hall, immersing myself in the city's local customs and culture. Moreover, I savored the southern-style meat zongzi, offering a contrast to the sweet zongzi of the north. This year's celebration was enhanced by sharing it with my classmates, providing a novel experience.
As the Dragon Boat Festival draws to a close, I am reminded of the deeper meaning of this ancient holiday. It is not just a time for feasting and festivities; it is a time for reflection and remembrance. The story of Qu Yuan, a poet who sacrificed himself for his country, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of patriotism and loyalty. And the tradition of family reunions during this festival highlights the importance of family ties and the joy of being together. As we celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival year after year, let us not forget its true essence: the celebration of culture, family, and patriotism.