How do you plan on celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival this year?
Posted by Gift Flowers
Dragon Boat Festival
This year, the Dragon Boat Festival is held on June 19th. Also known as the Tueng Ng Festival or Duanwu Festival, this celebration is historical and colorful. The festival is held on the fifth day of the traditional lunar calendar’s fifth month each year.
Hong Kong has recognized the festival as a public holiday for more than 2,000 years, however, China did not recognize it as a public holiday until 2008. Now, it is observed in Taiwan and Macau and unofficially observed in many other southeast Asian regions.
The History of the Dragon Boat Festival
Many legends exist about the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival. Among the most popular legends surrounds an elderly minister named Qu Yuan. Legend has it that this man became disillusioned by the Chinese government and drowned himself in the river as a sign of protest in 278 BC. Locals rushed to save him in their boats, banging drums the entire way. Unfortunately, they were not successful. They then began to bring offerings of rice to his spirit. Today, the symbolism of this event is easily seen with the Dragon Boat Carnival Races.
Another story about the festival’s origins centers on an advisor name Wu Zixu who was ignored by his king, Fuchai. Fuchai forced Wu Zixu to commit suicide, and his body was thrown into the river on the fifth month’s fifth day. According to this legend, this is why we celebrate the Duanwu Festival.
While there are various legends about the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival, one thing we all share is that it is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends, and enjoy the joyous atmosphere of dragon boat races.
Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon boat racing is a beloved highlight of the Dragon Boat Festival, filling the occasion with a festive vibe. Modelled after the mythical dragon, the boats get their name from their distinctive shape. This sport relies heavily on teamwork, with rowers paddling in perfect sync to the beat of the drummer at the bow. It is said that the winning team will bring good fortune to their community.
Food is also an indispensable part of the festival. Zongzi, bamboo rice and fine wine are traditional treats. Legend has it that people tossed rice dumplings into the river to keep fish and shrimp away from Qu Yuan’s body, a custom that has been passed down through ages. Zongzi comes with various fillings such as jujubes and red bean paste.
There are also many age-old traditions for the festival. People hang amulets bearing the image of Zhong Kui and wear sachets filled with herbs. Calamus and wormwood are placed at doorways to repel insects and ward off illnesses. Children tie five-coloured silk threads around their wrists and necks. When the first summer rain arrives, the threads are thrown into rivers, symbolizing the casting away of misfortune.
Sending Gifts for the Dragon Boat Festival
How do you plan on celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival this year? This Dragon Boat Festival, choose a gift brimming with good wishes for those you hold dear. Gift Hampers HK has carefully prepared three types of festive hampers, bringing extra warmth to this traditional celebration.
Presented in an elegant red gift box, this curated set includes Saint Honore’s rice dumpling with scallop and ham, rock sugar bird’s nest, and premium tea. Blending festive flavours with wellness treats, it’s a sophisticated choice for sharing warm wishes with family, friends or business contacts this season.
Featuring Shangri-La’s classic rice dumplings, this hamper pairs chef-made delicacies with truffle chocolates and handmade cookies. Balancing savoury and sweet flavours, it is an elegant gift for clients and loved ones. Reheat the dumplings after refrigeration for a stronger bamboo leaf aroma. Enjoy the festival in refined taste.
Treat your loved ones to fresh seasonal fruits and Shangri-La’s classic rice dumplings this Dragon Boat Festival. The set includes pears, grapes, pitaya and Summer Palace abalone & scallop rice dumplings. Carefully selected fruits go well with the dumplings, and the floral gift box is ideal for gatherings and gifts.
Tips: Refrigerate fruits and reheat dumplings for better flavour. Enjoy fruits first, then dumplings with tea for a nice festive meal.
No matter how you choose to spend the Dragon Boat Festival this year, remember to stop and enjoy the moment. Showing your loved ones a bit of care on this holiday can go a long way.
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