Tale of a People’s Love
The Dragon Boat Festival or Double Fifth Day is one of three most mportant annual celebrations in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. It commemorates Qu Yuan, a well-loved official who died under tragic circumstances.

In the Beginning …
Qu (approx. 340-278 B.C.) was a minister who served the Zhou Dynasty during the Warring States period (475-221 B.C.). Righteous and articulate, he sought to rid the corruption that plagued the courts and gained widespread respect and love from his people.

An Unexpected Turn
Expectedly, his righteous endeavours did not find favour with corrupt officials who schemed to oust him from the courts.

And it was his attempts to dissuade the Zhou Emperor from attending a conference held by the Qin state that proved to be his undoing. Qu was duly removed from service. Deceived and hurt, Qu went into political exile and started travelling, teaching and writing.

Upon hearing news that his beloved Zhou Dynasty had fallen to the Qin Empire, Qu fell further into despair and decided to drown himself in the Mi Lu River in the Hunan Province.

Birthplace of a Custom
When the dispatch of search parties into the lake proved fruitless, devoted citizens decided to throw dumplings wrapped with bamboo sections into the river to feed the fishes so they would leave Qu’s body intact. Hence the reason for these customs still practiced today.

Today, these practices have become widespread and are practiced everywhere. People regardless of creed or religion take part in the annual Dragon Boat Race, and savour delicious dumplings as part of these festivities.