dragon boat racing
Geposted von JiangDavid am
On the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, many places in China hold fun dragon boat races.
Drums go boom-boom. Dragon boats race fast across the water.
People on the shore cheer and clap with joy.
This is the Dragon Boat Festival’s most special tradition — dragon boat racing!
But why do we race dragon boats?
A long time ago, there was a man named Qu Yuan.
He was smart and loved his country. He wanted to make it stronger.
But some bad people were jealous. They told lies and made the king send him away.
Later, the Chu Kingdom lost a war.
Qu Yuan was very sad. he jumped into the Miluo River.
The people were very sad when they heard the news.
They rowed boats to find him. They also threw rice dumplings into the river.
This way, the fish wouldn’t eat his body.
Since then, people race dragon boats on that day to remember him.
In Yuanling, people race to remember their ancestor Panhu.
In Zhejiang, people remember a kind girl named Cao E.
She jumped into the river to look for her father.
People raced boats to honor her love.
In Suzhou, they remember a loyal man called Wu Zixu.
But dragon boat racing is not just for Qu Yuan.
Each place has a different story, but the meaning is the same.
People want to show love, respect, and good wishes.
Before the race, people do special things.
They paint the dragon’s eyes and pray to dragon gods for safety.
Each place has a different story, but the meaning is the same.
People want to show love, respect, and good wishes.
Before the race, people do special things.
They paint the dragon’s eyes and pray to dragon gods for safety.
Through dragon boat racing, people keep traditions alive. They show teamwork and courage.
