Heritage

Dragon Boat Festival 端午节

The traditional Chinese rice dumpling was created to honour an honourable in China's history—the divine Qu Yuan (340–278 B.C.)—the famous pioneer poet of ancient China.

Qu Yuan lived in the kingdom of Chu as a minister. He was an advocate for the reformation of his state as he cared greatly for the people. However, this angered the King of Chu and he banished Qu Yuan.

In exile, Qu Yuan wrote poetry, expressing his concern for his country and people. Eventually, when the capital of Chu fell to enemies, Qu Yuan committed suicide by drowning himself in the Mi Luo River.

The people greatly admired him and rushed to the river to rescue their beloved minister. They furiously threw steamed rice wrapped in reed leaf into the river as a sacrifice to his spirit and to keep the fish from consuming Qu Yuan's body.

Since that time more than 2000 years ago, it has been customary during the dumpling festival to enjoy rice dumplings as a memorial to this patriotic poet. Till today, rice dumplings have been enjoyed by people throughout the year.

Check out Dragon Boat Festival by Suchitthra Vasu to learn more!