Dragon Boat Festival 2024: Dates, Traditions, and Celebrations
When is the Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. In 2024, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on Monday, June 10th.
Public Holiday in China
In China, the Dragon Boat Festival is a three-day public holiday, from Saturday, June 8th to Monday, June 10th. This provides ample time for people to celebrate the festival with family and friends.
Celebrations around the World
The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated not only in China but also in other countries with significant Chinese communities, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Dragon boat races, traditional food, and cultural performances are common features of the festival celebrations.
Historical Significance
The Dragon Boat Festival is said to commemorate the life and death of the poet Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States period (475-221 BC). Qu Yuan was a loyal official who was unjustly exiled and eventually drowned himself in the Miluo River. To prevent his body from being eaten by fish, the local people paddled their boats on the river and beat drums to scare away the fish.
Popular Traditions
Some of the popular traditions associated with the Dragon Boat Festival include:
- Dragon boat races: Teams of paddlers race in long, narrow boats adorned with dragon heads and tails.
- Zongzi: Glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with various ingredients.
- Calamus leaves and garlic: These are hung on doors and windows to ward off evil spirits.
- Dragon boat songs: Traditional songs that are sung during the races and other festival activities.
The Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant and colorful festival that celebrates Chinese culture and history. It is a time for family gatherings, cultural exchange, and reflection.
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