【端午节的英语介绍】Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is one of the most traditional and significant festivals in China. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year. The festival has a long history, dating back over 2,000 years, and is closely associated with the ancient poet Qu Yuan.
Qu Yuan was a loyal official and poet during the Warring States period. He devoted his life to serving the state of Chu, but after being wrongly accused and exiled, he eventually drowned himself in the Miluo River. To honor his loyalty and integrity, people began to throw rice into the river to prevent fish from eating his body. This act gradually evolved into the tradition of eating zongzi, which are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Another well-known custom of the Dragon Boat Festival is the dragon boat race. These races are held on rivers and lakes, with teams paddling long, decorated boats shaped like dragons. The competition is not only a display of physical strength and teamwork but also a way to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.
In addition to these customs, people also hang herbs such as mugwort and calamus at their doors to ward off insects and diseases. Some families wear fragrant sachets filled with herbs, believing that they can protect against bad luck and illness.
Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is not only celebrated in China but also in many other countries with Chinese communities, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. It has become a cultural bridge that helps people around the world understand Chinese traditions and values.
In English, the festival is commonly referred to as "Dragon Boat Festival," while "Duanwu Festival" is used less frequently but still recognized. Understanding the significance of this festival provides a deeper insight into Chinese culture and its rich historical background.