端午节
Dragon Boat Festival
duānwǔ jié
Celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, the Dragon Boat Festival is known for its dragon boat races and zongzi.
Context
The Dragon Boat Festival (Duānwǔ) is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It is known for dragon boat races and zongzi consumption, but its practices vary by region.
Main Practices
- Team dragon boat races.
- Zongzi preparation and sharing (glutinous rice wrapped in leaves).
- Local rituals of protection and health in some areas.
Cultural Reading
This festival shows how a tradition can be both local, familial, performative, and transnational. Dragon boat races are now practiced beyond China.
Useful Vocabulary
- 龙舟 lóngzhōu : dragon boat
- 赛龙舟 sài lóngzhōu : dragon boat race
- 粽子 zòngzi : glutinous rice wrapped in leaves