Have you ever heard of the Dragon Boat Festival? It’s a super fun festival celebrated on Saturday this year! You might know it for exciting dragon boat races and delicious zongzi (that’s sticky rice dumplings). But did you know there’s more to it? Let’s dive into the ancient health traditions that make this festival extra special!
Why is the Dragon Boat Festival Important?
The Dragon Boat Festival happens when spring turns into summer. The weather gets warmer and more humid, which can bring more bugs and germs. A long time ago, people in China came up with cool ways to stay healthy during this time. Let’s check them out!
Hanging Magical Herbs 🌿
One tradition is hanging plants called mugwort and calamus on doors and windows. These herbs smell nice and actually help keep mosquitoes and flies away! They also help clean the air, which is great for staying healthy.
Wearing Herbal Sachets ✨
Imagine wearing a tiny, pretty bag filled with special herbs that smell amazing. These are called herbal sachets, and they’re filled with things like clove and angelica root. People believed these herbs could protect them from getting sick. Plus, they smell awesome!
Taking Herbal Baths 🛀
In some places, families take baths with water soaked in herbs like mugwort. These baths help keep the skin clean and can even help with rashes or itchy spots. It’s like a spa day at home!
Delicious and Healthy Zongzi 🍙
You can’t forget about zongzi! These yummy rice dumplings are filled with things like red dates and beans. Not only are they tasty, but some people believe they help keep your tummy happy. Just remember, don’t eat too many at once!
Old Traditions Change Over Time
In the past, people used to drink something called realgar wine, thinking it would keep them healthy. But now we know it can be harmful, so most people don’t drink it anymore. Sometimes, old practices change as we learn new things.
The Festival’s Message Today
The Dragon Boat Festival shows us how important it is to take care of ourselves, especially when the seasons change. By using natural remedies and enjoying traditional foods, we can stay healthy and connected to our culture.
So next time you hear about the Dragon Boat Festival, you’ll know there’s more than just boats and races. It’s also about ancient wisdom and healthy habits that people have passed down for thousands of years!
Reference(s):
The health wisdom embedded in Dragon Boat Festival traditions
cgtn.com
