Title: The Origin and Traditions of Dragon Boat Festival: A Connection to Folklore

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It has a rich history and is filled with various folklores and customs. The origin of the festival is closely related to the following legends and customs.
### Legend of Qu Yuan
The most famous legend about the Dragon Boat Festival is the tale of Qu Yuan, a loyal minister of the State of Chu during the Warring States period (475-221 BC). Qu Yuan was a wise and honest official, but unfortunately, his political adversaries caused him to be exiled. While in exile, he wrote many patriotic poems expressing his loyalty and sorrow for the state's decline. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River after witnessing the ultimate fall of the state of Chu. The local people rushed in boats to search for his body and throw zongzi, a sticky rice dumpling, into the river to feed the fish, so they would not eat Qu Yuan's body.
### Dragon Boat Races
In memory of Qu Yuan, people began to hold dragon boat races on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This tradition has become an essential part of the Dragon Boat Festival. Dragon boat races symbolize the local people's efforts to rescue Qu Yuan from the river. The boats are often beautifully decorated with dragon motifs, representing the mythical dragon that the festival is named after. Participants paddle the boats energetically to the rhythm of drums, creating a spectacular and thrilling spectacle.
### Eating Zongzi
Zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings, is another essential part of the Dragon Boat Festival. They are said to have originated as a way to feed the fish and prevent them from eating Qu Yuan's body. Zongzi is made of sticky rice and various fillings, such as red bean paste, meat, or sweet bean paste, wrapped in bamboo leaves or banana leaves. The variety of fillings and shapes of zongzi varies by region in China.
### Wearing Periwinkle (Wu ju) and Carrying Incense
On the Dragon Boat Festival, it is customary to wear periwinkle (Wu ju) leaves to ward off evil spirits and insects. Periwinkle is said to be a symbol of protection against disasters and to have the power to ward off evil. Some people also carry incense, believing that the smoke can purify the air and prevent diseases.
### Hanging Calamus Root (Cao Zhu) and Magnolia Flower (Du Lian Hua)
During the Dragon Boat Festival, people often hang calamus root and magnolia flowers in their homes. Calamus root is believed to have the ability to drive away insects and evil spirits. Magnolia flowers are said to bring good fortune and health.
In conclusion, the Dragon Boat Festival is a holiday with deep roots in Chinese history and folklore. It serves as a time for people to honor Qu Yuan and celebrate the traditions associated with his legend. The customs, such as dragon boat races, eating zongzi, wearing periwinkle leaves, and hanging calamus root, have become integral parts of the festival, bringing people together to share in the cultural heritage of China.
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