The Origin and Customs of the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, also called Duanwu Festival, is a very important traditional holiday in China. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar, usually in early summer. The festival has a history of over two thousand years and is closely connected to the story of Qu Yuan, a famous poet.

The Legend of Qu Yuan

Qu Yuan lived during the Warring States Period and served as a minister in the State of Chu. He loved his country deeply. However, other officials told lies about him, and he was sent away from the royal court. When the enemy conquered the capital of Chu, Qu Yuan became very sad and drowned himself in the Miluo River. Local people wanted to protect his body, so they raced out in boats and threw rice dumplings into the river to keep the fish away. These traditions became the dragon boat races and eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) that we see today.

Festival Traditions

During the Dragon Boat Festival, people join in dragon boat races. Teams row long, colorful boats to the sound of drums. This tradition comes from the ancient search for Qu Yuan. Another important custom is eating zongzi. These are pyramid-shaped sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.

People also hang plants such as mugwort and calamus on their doors. This is believed to keep away insects and bad luck. Children often wear small scented sachets filled with herbs to protect their health. In some places, people try to stand eggs upright at noon, a game that is said to bring good luck.

Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is not only a time to remember Qu Yuan’s loyalty and love for his country, but also a celebration of family, health, and the beginning of summer. Many Chinese communities around the world celebrate this special holiday.

端午节的起源与风俗

端午节，也叫端午，是中国非常重要的传统节日。它在农历五月初五庆祝，通常在初夏。端午节有两千多年的历史，与著名诗人屈原的故事密切相关。

屈原的传说

屈原生活在战国时期，是楚国的大臣。他非常热爱自己的祖国，但因其他官员的谗言，被赶出了朝廷。当敌国攻占楚国都城时，屈原非常伤心，投江自尽。当地百姓为了保护屈原的身体，划船到江中寻找，还把米团扔进江里，防止鱼吃掉他的身体。后来，这些行为慢慢演变成今天的赛龙舟和吃粽子的习俗。

节日的习俗

端午节期间，人们会参加龙舟比赛。参赛队伍随着鼓声，划着长长的彩船，这一传统起源就是当年人们追寻屈原的故事。另一个重要习俗是吃粽子。这种粽子用竹叶包裹糯米，呈三角形。

人们还会在门上挂艾草和菖蒲，认为这样可以驱虫避邪。孩子们常常佩戴装有香草的香包，据说能保平安健康。在一些地方，人们中午要玩立蛋游戏，据说能带来好运。

如今，端午节不仅是纪念屈原忠诚爱国的时刻，也是阖家团圆、祈福健康、迎接夏天的重要节日。世界各地许多华人社区也会庆祝这个特别的节日。

 

文章难度 📊：CEFR 等级 B2

🎋互动练习

填空题（Complete the sentences）

1. The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the ___ day of the fifth lunar month.
2. People eat ___ to celebrate the festival.
3. Children wear ___ filled with herbs for health and protection.

判断题（True/False/Not Given）

1. Qu Yuan drowned himself because he was too sad after his country fell.
2. Eating zongzi started as a way to protect Qu Yuan from fish.
3. Only people in China celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival now.

选择题（Multiple Choice）

1. Why do people hold dragon boat races during the festival?
   A. To welcome summer
   B. To remember Qu Yuan
   C. To practice for sports events
   D. To worship the river

2. What is the main meaning of hanging mugwort and calamus?
   A. Decorating the house
   B. Protecting children from sickness
   C. Keeping away insects and bad luck
   D. Making the air smell fresh

3. The Dragon Boat Festival is a time for people to
   A. play with firecrackers
   B. worship ancient gods
   C. remember Qu Yuan and hope for health
   D. study for exams

 

✨答案（Answers）

填空题

1. fifth
2. zongzi
3. scented sachets

判断题

1. TRUE
2. TRUE
3. FALSE

选择题

1. B
2. C
3. C

 

👉 关注 水滴英语作文网，用英文传递中华之美，让文化走向世界！

#英语作文范文   #中国传统文化   #大学英语作文   #高中英语作文   #初中英语作文    

原文链接：https://gpmz.net/blog/yingyuyueduduanwujiedeqiyuanyufengsu/，转载请注明出处~~~