One of the more popular theories on the origins of the Dragon Boat festival is as remembrance of the search for the suicidal ancient scholar Qu Yuan. Accused of treason this popular poet drowned himself after being banished. Local residents are said to have raced around the waters try to rescue him or retrieve his body – the very first Dragon Boat race.
Drawing people to waterways throughout the country and in Chinese societies worldwide, the festival in the Hangzhou area has special significance due to the integration of local folk customs.
In an effort to reduce flooding throughout the waterways in the area locals prayed to the Dragon King as far back the Tang Dynasty. These days boats race around a tangle of streams within the wetlands in what looks to be total disarray. Rowing in sync to the pounding of drums and clashing of symbols thousands of onlookers squashed into every possible vantage point cheer as boats seemingly randomly come up against each other.
At least three boats capsized within an hour today as the downward pressure of the crews furiously dragging their oars through the water results in some boats getting totally inundated.
A visit to Xixi Wetlands in Hangzhou is an entertaining way to spend a day if you happen to find yourself in the region over Dragon Boat festival.
June 6th, 2011at 8:30 pm(#)
[...] find out more on the history of this holiday, click here to check out the blog post I wrote after attending the event last [...]