Row, Know, Win! The Ultimate Dragon Boat Festival Challenge
Hey kids! Did you know that today is the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu (pronounced “dwahn-woo”)? It’s one of the oldest and most exciting celebrations in the Chinese mainland, with a history of over 2,000 years! 🎉
Every year, on the fifth day of the fifth month in the traditional Chinese calendar, people come together to celebrate with fun activities, delicious food, and thrilling races. Let’s dive into the amazing traditions of this special day!
Dragon Boat Races 🐉🚣♀️
One of the most famous parts of the festival is the dragon boat races. Long, colorful boats shaped like dragons race across the water as teams of paddlers row in perfect harmony. The beat of the drum keeps everyone in sync, and spectators cheer loudly from the banks. It’s a spectacular display of teamwork and spirit! Wouldn’t it be cool to see or even join a dragon boat race?
Tasty Treats: Zongzi 🍙
No festival is complete without yummy food! During Duanwu, people eat zongzi (pronounced “dzong-dzuh”), which are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. They are shaped like little pyramids and can have sweet fillings like red bean paste or savory ones like pork or salted egg yolk. Have you ever tried zongzi? Which flavor do you think you’d like best?
Fun and Games 🎯
The Dragon Boat Festival is also a time for traditional games. One popular game is Touhu (pronounced “toe-hoo”), or pitch-pot. This ancient game dates back to when scholars and nobles played it for fun. The rules are simple: toss small arrows into a distant pot. The more arrows you land in the pot, the higher your score. Think you have good aim? Maybe you can try making your own version at home!
Legends and Stories 📜
Duanwu isn’t just about fun and food; it’s also rich in legends. The most famous story is about a poet and minister named Qu Yuan. People race dragon boats and throw zongzi into the river to honor his memory. Exploring these stories is a great way to learn about history and culture.
Join the Celebration! 🎊
Even if you can’t be in the Chinese mainland, you can still celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival! Try making your own zongzi with family or friends, learn more about legends, or even watch a dragon boat race video online. Let’s Row, Know, and Win together!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
