Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan
Dragon Boat Festival is a holiday in Taiwan.
When is Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan
Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on 22, June, 2023 in Taiwan.
About Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional holiday celebrated in Taiwan and many other Asian countries. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in June. The festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
The Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan is a time for people to pay homage to Qu Yuan, a famous poet and statesman from ancient China. Qu Yuan was a loyal minister who drowned himself in a river out of despair when his kingdom was conquered. The locals, who admired him greatly, raced their boats to save him or retrieve his body. Today, the dragon boat races are held in his memory.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, Taiwan comes alive with vibrant celebrations. The highlight of the festival is the dragon boat races, where teams of rowers paddle in long narrow boats to the beat of a drum. These races take place in rivers, lakes, and even the ocean, attracting participants and spectators from all over the country. The teams compete against each other, displaying their strength, teamwork, and skill.
Besides the races, there are several other customs and traditions associated with the Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan. One of the most well-known customs is the consumption of zongzi, a traditional sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves. These dumplings are usually filled with various ingredients such as meat, beans, or nuts, and are steamed or boiled. Eating zongzi is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Another common tradition is hanging up pouches of herbs called “xiong bao” to ward off evil spirits and diseases. These pouches are made of colorful silk and filled with a variety of herbs believed to have medicinal properties. They are hung on doors or worn as accessories during the festival.
In addition, people may wear colorful silk threads around their wrists during the Dragon Boat Festival. These threads, known as “silk thread bracelets,” are believed to protect against evil spirits and bring good fortune. They are often given as gifts to family and friends.
Overall, the Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan is a time of excitement, cultural significance, and community spirit. It is a time for people to come together, honor their traditions, and celebrate the rich heritage of the country.
History of Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that is celebrated in Taiwan and various other parts of the world. The festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in June.
The origins of the Dragon Boat Festival can be traced back to ancient China during the Warring States period (475-221 BC). The festival is associated with the legend of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and statesman of the Chu kingdom. Qu Yuan was a loyal minister who was deeply concerned about the welfare of his kingdom.
In 278 BC, when the Chu kingdom was invaded by the Qin state, Qu Yuan was banished from the kingdom due to political intrigue. During his exile, Qu Yuan wrote many poems expressing his love for his country and his sorrow for its decline. He drowned himself in the Miluo River on the 5th day of the 5th month as a final act of despair.
The local people admired Qu Yuan and were devastated by his death. They raced in their boats to save him but were too late. To prevent his body from being eaten by fish and evil spirits, they threw rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, known as zongzi, into the river. They also beat drums and splashed water with their paddles to scare away the evil spirits.
Over time, these activities became an integral part of the Dragon Boat Festival. The dragon boat races symbolize the search for Qu Yuan’s body in the river, while the zongzi represents the food offerings made to him. The festival is also associated with warding off evil spirits and promoting good health and fortune.
In Taiwan, the Dragon Boat Festival was officially recognized as a public holiday in 2004. Today, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the island. Dragon boat races are held in various locations, attracting both local and international teams. The races are accompanied by lively drumming and cheering from spectators.
In addition to the races, people also enjoy making and eating zongzi during the festival. Zongzi are sticky rice dumplings filled with various ingredients such as meats, beans, and nuts. They are wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed or boiled.
The Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan is not only a time for celebration but also an opportunity to promote traditional Chinese culture and foster a sense of community. It is a holiday that brings people together to honor a legendary figure and enjoy the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and good food.
How is Dragon Boat Festival celebrated in Taiwan
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Taiwan. Here are some common ways in which it is celebrated:
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Dragon Boat Races: The highlight of the festival is the dragon boat races held in rivers, lakes, and even the ocean. Teams of rowers paddle vigorously to the beat of drums, while a dragon-headed boat glides through the water. This is a competitive sport, and the winning team is believed to bring good luck and fortune for the coming year.
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Zongzi Making: Zongzi, a traditional sticky rice dumpling, is a must-have food during the Dragon Boat Festival. Families gather together to prepare zongzi by wrapping sticky rice, meat, and other fillings in bamboo leaves, and then boiling or steaming them. It is believed that eating zongzi helps ward off evil spirits and diseases.
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Wearing of Colorful Threads: People in Taiwan wear colorful threads during the festival. These threads are made from silk or cotton and are believed to protect against evil spirits and bad luck. They are tied around the wrists or ankles of family members, friends, and even pets.
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Hanging of Artemisia: Artemisia, a type of herb, is believed to have medicinal and purifying properties. During the festival, people hang bundles of artemisia on their doors or windows to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
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Making and Displaying of Realgar Wine: Realgar wine, made by soaking realgar, a type of mineral, in rice wine, is a traditional custom during the festival. It is believed to have the power to repel evil spirits and prevent diseases. Some people also splash a few drops of realgar wine on their clothes, bed, or around their homes for protection.
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Cultural Performances: Various cultural performances, such as traditional music, dances, and theatrical shows, are organized during the festival. These performances showcase the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan and add to the festive atmosphere.
Overall, the Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan is a time for families to come together, enjoy traditional food, participate in dragon boat races, and celebrate their cultural traditions.
Dates
Dragon Boat Festival will be celebrated in Taiwan on 2023-06-22, 2024-06-10, 2025-05-31, 2026-06-19, 2027-06-09 in the comming years.
