People participate in a dragon boat race to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in Zigui county, Central China's Hubei province, June 14, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Dragon Boat Festival is a significant traditional holiday celebrated in China and across East Asia, typically occurring on the 5th day of the 5th month on traditional Chinese calendar, which falls in late May or June on the Gregorian calendar. This festival is about warding off illness, honoring historical figures, and welcoming the peak of summer. In recent years, its popularity has spread far beyond Asia. Many countries around the world join the celebrations, hosting vibrant dragon boat races and enjoying the iconic sticky rice dumplings known as zongzi.

Think you know all about it? These six little-known facts might change your perspective.

Competitors row a dragon boat during a race in the Taohuatan Scenic Area of Jingxian county, East China's Anhui Province, June 1, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

Dragon Boat Racing's True Origins

When you think of dragon boat racing, you might picture the story of Qu Yuan, a poet from ancient China who tragically drowned himself in a river. Villagers supposedly raced their boats to save him. However, historians point out that this story was added to the festival over 600 years after it began.

The real origins of dragon boat racing come from the Baiyue tribes in southern China, who revered dragons as sacred symbols. Living near rivers and lakes, they held ceremonies during the rainy season to honor water gods and pray for safety and good harvests. They raced boats shaped like dragons as part of these rituals. Over time, the story of Qu Yuan was woven into this tradition, adding a layer of patriotic storytelling.

Zongzi: From Offerings to Treats

Today, zongzi are enjoyed as a festive snack. Originally, they were offerings to ancestors and the earth god. Known as "Jiaoshu" in ancient times, these dumplings were made of glutinous millet wrapped in leaves and shaped like ox horns, symbolizing strength and abundance. It wasn't until the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316) that eating zongzi during the festival was recorded as a custom. By the Tang Dynasty (618-907), they had evolved into a high-end gift for loved ones. So, from sacred offering to seasonal delicacy, zongzi have come a long way.

Sweetened zongzi with the addition of red bean paste or a puree of Chinese jujubes is popular in northern China. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The Sweet vs. Savory Debate: It's All About the Leaves

In China, a culinary debate has persisted for decades: sweet versus savory zongzi. In the north, people generally prefer sweet zongzi, which are often filled with red dates or sweet bean paste. In contrast, southerners tend to favor savory zongzi, featuring fillings like pork or salted egg yolk. But the real secret to the flavor lies in the leaves used to wrap them.

Northern Zongzi: These are wrapped in reed leaves, which are broad and have a fresh fragrance that pairs well with sweet fillings.

Southern Zongzi: These use bamboo leaves, known for their rich aroma, which enhances savory fillings.

This difference highlights the diverse regional climates and food cultures across China. So, the next time you're discussing zongzi, don't forget to ask about the leaves!

Realgar wine is applied on a child's head, which features a custom of the Dragon Boat Festival. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

Realgar Wine: Not for Drinking

There's a saying that drinking realgar wine can ward off illness, and it famously appears in the story of The Legend of the White Snake. However, realgar contains toxic elements like arsenic. Historically, it was used externally — dabbed on children's skin or sprinkled around homes to repel insects. Modern science confirms that realgar wine is harmful if ingested, reminding us to approach traditional customs with a scientific perspective.

Tang & Song Dynasty Celebrations: A 3-Day Holiday

During the Tang and Song (960-1279) dynasties, officials enjoyed a three-day holiday for the Dragon Boat Festival. The emperor would host grand banquets and give gifts, such as:

Fans: Beautifully crafted court fans, symbolizing imperial favor.
Mugwort Tigers: Ornaments made from mugwort to ward off evil.
Other Gifts: Fine robes, belts, and charm bags.

This tradition, known as the "Dragon Boat Suburban Bestowal," was both a celebration and a way to strengthen ties within the court.

Five-Colored Threads: More Than Just Decoration

Tying five-colored silk threads around children's wrists is a common custom during the festival to wish for health and longevity. These threads are worn until the 6th day of the 6th month on traditional Chinese calendar, when they're thrown into a river, symbolically washing away misfortune. This practice reflects an ancient belief in aligning with nature to seek blessings.

After learning these facts, you might see the Dragon Boat Festival as more than just a day off and a few rice dumplings. It's a rich tapestry of history, culture, and tradition, preserving the wisdom and hopes of our ancestors. This year, as you enjoy the festivities, take a moment to appreciate the deeper meanings behind this ancient celebration.