Here are some English descriptions of the origins, legends, and customs of the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival):
**Origins and Legends:**
1. **Remembrance of Qu Yuan**: The Dragon Boat Festival is primarily celebrated in memory of Qu Yuan, a renowned poet and statesman of the Warring States period. Qu Yuan is believed to have drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, in protest against corruption and the downfall of his state, Chu. The festival marks the day of his death.
2. **Dragon Boat Race**: It is said that the local people raced their boats in the river to find and retrieve Qu Yuan's body, beating drums and splashing the water to keep fish away from his body. This is why dragon boat races are an essential part of the festival.
3. **Zhuangyuan's Sacrifice**: Another legend is about the Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. After Zhuangyuan's death, the emperor regretted not being able to save him. He ordered the people to celebrate his life and remember his sacrifice. Since Zhuangyuan drowned himself, the festival involves boat races and other aquatic activities.
**Customs:**
1. **Dragon Boat Races**: The most famous custom of the festival is the dragon boat race, where teams of rowers compete in long, narrow boats painted to resemble dragons, racing each other across a river.
2. **Eating Zongzi (Glutinous Rice Dumplings)**: Another traditional custom is the consumption of zongzi, a type of sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves. Zongzi is said to be a way to keep fish from eating Qu Yuan's body. The shapes of the zongzi also represent dragon heads, which are often carved on the ends of dragon boats.
3. **Wearing Periwinkle**: Women in some regions wear periwinkle leaves, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect them from disease during the festival.
4. **Sipping Arsenic Wine**: In some areas, people drink a small amount of "arsenic wine," made from real or imitation arsenic, as a symbolic act to remember Qu Yuan and his tragic death.
5. **Drying Clothes in the Sun**: The day before the Dragon Boat Festival, people in some parts of China will dry their clothes and bedding in the sun to ensure they are clean and ready for the festival.
6. **Avoiding Sharp Objects**: Some believe that carrying or using sharp objects during the festival can bring bad luck or dishonor to the spirit of Qu Yuan. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid sharp objects such as scissors or needles during the celebration.
7. **Drumming and Chanting**: Drums are used to create noise, believed to keep away evil spirits and attract good fortune. Chanting or singing folk songs and tales related to the festival's history are also common customs.
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