The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This year, in 2023, it falls on June 25th. The festival has been celebrated in China for over 2,000 years and has a rich history and culture that is passed down from generation to generation. The origins of the Dragon Boat Festival can be traced back to the Warring States Period in ancient China. It is believed to have originated from the story of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and politician who lived during the reign of King Huai of Chu around 340 BC. Qu Yuan was a loyal and patriotic minister who was banished from the court due to political intrigue and corruption. He devoted his time to writing poems and wandering around China, preaching his ideas on loyalty and patriotism to the people. When the state of Chu fell to the Qin state, Qu Yuan was despondent and heartbroken. He threw himself into the Miluo River in Hunan Province to commit suicide. The local people who admired and respected Qu Yuan raced their boats to the site of his death, hoping to retrieve his body. They pounded their drums and paddled their boats furiously to ward off evil spirits and prevent the fish in the river from feeding on Qu Yuan's body. They also threw glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, known as Zongzi, into the river to feed the fish and prevent them from eating Qu Yuan's body. This tradition of boat racing and eating Zongzi has been passed down for over 2,000 years and is now an important part of the Dragon Boat Festival. The festival has a variety of customs and traditions, including: Dragon Boat Racing: One of the most famous customs of the Dragon Boat Festival is dragon boat racing. Participants race dragon boats while paddling to the beat of a drum, to celebrate the festival and pay tribute to the national hero, Qu Yuan. Eating Zongzi: Zongzi is a traditional food made of glutinous rice and a variety of fillings, such as pork, red bean paste, or egg yolk, wrapped in bamboo leaves and boiled or steamed. During the Dragon Boat Festival, people often eat zongzi to commemorate Qu Yuan's death and to express love and care towards their families and friends. Children's Dragon Boat Racing: In addition to adult dragon boat racing, some places hold children's dragon boat racing during the festival. Children paddle the dragon boat together to improve their teamwork and coordination skills. Wearing Perfumed Sachets: Perfumed sachets, also called "xiang bao," are small bags filled with traditional Chinese herbal fragrances and worn around the neck or in clothes. It is believed to repel evil spirits and bring good luck, so people often wear them during the Dragon Boat Festival. Drinking Realgar Wine: Realgar wine, also called "xiong huang jiu," is a traditional Chinese wine made with the mineral realgar and alcohol. People believe it can protect them from disease and evil, so they drink it during the festival. Decorating with Artemisia and Calamus: People decorate their homes with artemisia and calamus during the Dragon Boat Festival. These plants are believed to eliminate pests, purify the air, and drive away evil spirits, protecting people's health. These customs and activities are rich in cultural significance and historical tradition, reflecting the collective memory and identity of the Chinese people. Guangdong Titans Intelligent Power Co.,Ltd ，may the Dragon Boat Festival bring health, happiness, and good fortune!