In spite of the date, the culture of this celebration is carried out through exciting dragon boat races while a traditional Chinese dish called 粽子 (zongzhi) is served. While Duanwu Festival is an official holiday only in mainland China and certain parts of Asia, almost all Chinese over the world find the time and effort to make the zongzhi to serve to family members and friends and to enjoy each other's company.
As to the origins of the festival, there was a Chinese official by the name of Qu Yuan who serves the emperor in ancient China. It came a time when the emperor allied with a rival State and banished Qu Yuan for treason as he swore to protect the State he was currently in. Due to the political conflicts and discourse with the emperor, Qu Yuan, in the end, commited suicide by throwing himself into the Milou River on this very date. As he was favoured by the people of the State, they threw yummy dish into the river to prevent the fish from eating his body. Some would row their boat to conduct the same activity. Both these actions brought forth the customs of the celebration that we know today as dragon boat race and the zongzhi.
So, to commemorate today, I have created this:
Although you may not necessary see it, it's a mini-scale LEGO of two dragon boats racing each other.
Perhaps, this will provide a clearer picture.
Anyhow, I hope everyone who is celebrating the festival enjoys today. Go eat the zongzhi if you haven't try it. Happy Dragon Boat Festival or Duanwu Jie
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