### The Dragon Boat Festival: Alternative Names and Customs

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is one of the most significant traditional festivals in China, celebrated annually on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. It has a rich tapestry of customs and alternative names, reflecting its deep historical roots and cultural significance.
#### Alternative Names
- **Duanwu Festival**: The most commonly used name, which directly translates to "Double Fifth Festival" in English, reflecting the festival's celebration on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.
- **Dragon Boat Festival**: This name is derived from the practice of holding dragon boat races during the festival, a tradition believed to honor the legendary poet and warrior Qu Yuan.
- **W Dragon Boat Festival**: An abbreviation used for the same festival, keeping the essence of the festival's connection with the dragon.
- **Duanwu Jie**: This is the official name used in mainland China.
#### Customs
1. **Dragon Boat Races**: The most famous tradition, where teams compete in long boats decorated with dragon motifs. These races are believed to honor the spirit of Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in a river after witnessing the fall of the Chu kingdom.
2. **Eating Zongzi**: Zongzi are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. They come in various fillings, including red bean, lotus seed, and meat, and are consumed as part of the festival's meals.
3. **Hanging Calendula and Mugwort**: It is a common custom to hang the flower of the calendula and mugwort leaves in one's home to ward off evil spirits and prevent illness.
4. **Wearing Incense Sachets**: sachets filled with herbs and aromatic materials are worn for their believed health benefits and protection against evil.
5. **Pine Tree Branches and Lavender**: It's also traditional to place branches of pine trees and lavender in homes for their aromatic properties.
6. **Drawing Patterns**: During the festival, children are often seen drawing patterns on their arms or faces to protect against evil spirits.
7. **Telling Dragon Boat Festival Stories**: Traditional stories about Qu Yuan and other historical figures are told, teaching younger generations the history and significance of the festival.
The Dragon Boat Festival not only celebrates the life and sacrifice of Qu Yuan but also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Through its customs and the communal activities that accompany it, this festival reinforces the sense of community and tradition in Chinese culture.
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