Traditional sticky rice dumplings, better known as zongzi, is a favorite dish during Dragon Boat Festival. [Photo provided to China Daily]

As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, you might wonder whether to wish someone a "happy" festival or to wish them "peace and health." This choice reflects a deep cultural tradition that has evolved over two millennia.

The phrase "May you have a peaceful and healthy Dragon Boat Festival" is more fitting than "Happy Dragon Boat Festival" due to the festival's historical roots.

The Festival's Origins: An Ancient Health Campaign

In ancient Chinese philosophy, the fifth month on Chinese traditional calendar, especially the fifth day, was considered a dangerous time, known as the "month and day of malignity." The midsummer heat and humidity brought an increase in snakes, insects, and pests, raising the risk of epidemics. With limited medical knowledge, these conditions led to higher mortality rates, casting a shadow of unease over the month.

Children learn to make sachets in celebration of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival at a kindergarten in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 9, 2021. Xu Binhua/For China Daily

Thus, the Dragon Boat Festival was originally a community effort to ward off disasters and diseases, rather than a festive celebration. Its main themes were "exorcising evil" and "ensuring safety and health." Many customs we observe today stem from this ancient wisdom:

Hanging mugwort and calamus on doors: These plants act as natural insect repellents, despite appearing as mere decorations.

Wearing colorful sachets: These sachets contain herbs like cinnabar and realgar, offering portable protection against disease.

Drinking realgar wine: Traditionally, realgar wine was believed to repel insects and was also used externally to treat skin issues. However, modern science has shown that consuming realgar wine is harmful to health and should be avoided.

Tying five-color silk threads ("long life threads") on wrists: These threads are symbolic talismans for health and protection, not just colorful bracelets.

The festival's original character was solemn and serious. Through various rituals, people sought to navigate this challenging season safely, with "ankang" (wellness and peace) capturing this fundamental desire.

A hand strap typically worn during the Dragon Boat Festival [Photo/Official WeChat account of the Guangdong Museum]

The Festival’s Evolving Narratives: Commemorations and Legends

As history unfolded, the festival's natural origins were enriched by human stories, forming several commemorative narratives. The story of Qu Yuan, the poet, is a relatively recent addition.

The Qu Yuan legend: Qu Yuan, a poet from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), drowned himself in protest of his state's downfall. People rowed boats to search for him and threw rice balls to protect his body from fish, evolving into dragon boat races and zongzi consumption. This legend became prominent due to Qu Yuan's patriotic image.

The Wu Zixu legend: Wu Zixu, a minister in the State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), was ordered to commit suicide by King Fuchai. His body was thrown into a river, and people in the Wu region began rowing dragon boats and throwing zongzi into the water during the Dragon Boat Festival to honor him.

The Cao E legend: Cao E, a 14-year-old girl during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), drowned while searching for her father's body. A temple was built in her honor, and her story is remembered during the Dragon Boat Festival in parts of Zhejiang.

These legends illustrate "historical layering," where Qu Yuan's tragic story merged with the festival, enriching its meaning over time.

Rowers compete in thrilling dragon boat races during the 2025 National Dragon Boat Carnival and the 2025 Hubei Provincial Dragon Boat Open. [Photo provided to China Daily]

From "Warding Off Misfortune" to "Welcoming Blessings"

Understanding that the Dragon Boat Festival originated as a community's defense against the "month of malignity" and later incorporated solemn memorial themes, it's clear why "May you have a peaceful and healthy Dragon Boat Festival" is a more culturally resonant blessing.

When you say "May you have a peaceful and healthy Dragon Boat Festival," you're not just following tradition. You're expressing a cultural understanding and care for life that has endured for millennia. This blessing embodies respect for nature's laws, homage to ancestral wisdom, and a profound concern for those around you:

May you be safe and sound. May you be healthy and well.