{"id":326,"date":"2026-06-10T11:46:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T03:46:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gifthampers.staging.belvg.net\/blog\/en_hamper\/?p=326"},"modified":"2026-06-10T11:52:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T03:52:42","slug":"how-do-you-plan-on-celebrating-the-dragon-boat-festival-this-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gifthampers.com.hk\/blog\/en_hamper\/how-do-you-plan-on-celebrating-the-dragon-boat-festival-this-year\/","title":{"rendered":"How do you plan on celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival this year?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Dragon Boat Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s fifth month each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The History of the Dragon Boat Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another story about the festival\u2019s 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\u2019s fifth day. According to this legend, this is why we celebrate the Duanwu Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s body, a custom that has been passed down through ages. Zongzi comes with various fillings such as jujubes and red bean paste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sending Gifts for the Dragon Boat Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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