The legend surrounding the Dragon Boat Races is based on the historic suicide of Qu Yuan, a 4th century B.C. Chinese political critic, poet, and statesman. Repeatedly slandered, persecuted, and disappointed by the controlling political regime, he resolved to end his life. With a large stone clasped in his arms, he plunged into the Milo River.
Respecting the Minister as an upright and honest man, the local fisherman raced into the river to try to save him. They desperately searched for his body, beating the water furiously with their paddles to prevent him from being eaten by fish. When they were unable to find Qu Yuan, they threw rice dumplings, wrapped in silk, into the water as a sacrifice to his spirit. Although, his worth was not realized at the time, Qu Yuan was later remembered as a faithful, righteous, and talented man.
Over time, the boats, which are put out each year in the symbolic search for Qu Yuan's body, began to take part in races until the Dragon Boat Festival and the Cultural Legend evolved into its long boat racing in the world.
These races not only symbolize the people's attempt to save Qu Yuan, but they demonstrate co-operation and teamwork.
Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month, the Dragon Boat Festival is also known as the Double Fifth Festival. It is one the three most important festivals in the Chinese calendar. The Dragon Boat Festival offers the observer. and participants, an opportunity to glimpse into a part of the rich Chinese cultural heritage.
