The origin of the Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is a topic that invites varying interpretations and legends. One of the most widely accepted narratives links the festival to the renowned poet Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BC), whose story continues to resonate through the ages. Qu Yuan, deeply saddened by the defeat of his Chu state by the Qin, is believed to have drowned himself in a river. In a display of admiration and respect for his patriotism, the Chu people took to their boats, scattering zongzi—delicious glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves—into the water. They vigorously paddled their boats to ward off fish and prevent them from desecrating Qu’s remains.
Remarkably, the first written documentation associating Qu Yuan with the Duanwu Festival surfaced nearly 750 years after the poet’s demise, in a novel from the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589). This late revelation has raised questions about the exact historical origins of the festival and its connection to Qu Yuan. Over time, as further archaeological discoveries came to light, it became evident that the Duanwu Festival likely traces its roots to the ancient rituals of the Baiyuan people. These coastal communities inhabited regions of eastern and southern China before the Xia Dynasty (c. 2100- c. 1600 BC).
Among the intriguing relics unearthed from these sites are pottery works adorned with intricate dragon patterns, indicating that the dragon held deep symbolic significance for the Baiyue people. They conducted sacrificial rituals on the fifth day of the fifth month in accordance with the traditional Chinese calendar. These rituals encompassed dragon boat races and the practice of casting zongzi into the water. These cultural traditions formed an integral part of the Baiyuan people’s commemorative ceremonies.
While the precise lineage of the Duanwu Festival may not be fully unveiled, the amalgamation of legends and archaeological findings sheds light on its multifaceted origins. The festival’s resonance, extending from the poet Qu Yuan’s sacrifice to the ancestral practices of the Baiyuan people, underscores its enduring cultural importance. As communities come together to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, they pay tribute to the intertwined threads of history, folklore, and communal reverence that have shaped this cherished tradition.
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