🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 62 (from laksa147)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa062.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival","crawl_time":1775621411,"first_indexed_time":1717757953,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,britannica!www,\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival s443","src_root_hash":"5455945239613777662","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Dragon Boat Festival | Traditions, Legends, & Races | Britannica","meta_descriptions":["The Dragon Boat Festival is a Chinese holiday that dates back at least 1,500 years. Known as Duanwu Jie in Mandarin and Tuen Ng in Cantonese, it is also called the Double Fifth Festival, because it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The festival commemorates local legendary heroes and features activities involving dragons, spirits, food, and folk entertainment. It is best known for its dragon boat races."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Top Questions\nWhat is the Dragon Boat Festival?\nWhen is the Dragon Boat Festival celebrated?\nWhat are the main traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival?\nWhy are dragon boat races important during this festival?\nWho is Qu Yuan, and how is he connected to the Dragon Boat Festival?\nWhat foods are commonly eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, and why?\nDragon Boat Festival\n,  prominent and festive\nChinese\nholiday\nthat originated at least 1,500 years ago and features\ndragon\nboat races and rice dumplings. It is one of the three “festivals of the living,” along with the\nChinese New Year\nand the\nMid-Autumn Festival\n. Known as Duanwu Jie in\nMandarin\nand Tuen Ng in\nCantonese\n, it is also called the Double Fifth Festival, because it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the\nChinese calendar\n, which falls in May or June on the\nGregorian calendar\n.\nLegends\nassociated with the festival and its observance center on memorials for local heroes. The celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival includes various activities involving dragons, otherworldly spirits, plenty of food, and folk entertainment. The holiday is also associated with rituals to ward off evil spirits and disease, which are thought to threaten during the fifth month.\nHistory of the Dragon Boat Festival\nThe origins of the festival, according to scholars, likely predate the legends told about it. The holiday is probably associated with ancient fertility rites to ensure a good rice\nharvest\n. The association with dragons might have developed from the role dragons were thought to play in rainfall and the importance of rivers in\nrice\ncultivation. The festival might have originated in southern\nChina\nwhere the dragon god has been\nworshipped\nand regarded as a sacred emblem and ancestor. The holiday occurs about the time of the\nsummer solstice\n, and, according to the philosophy of\nyinyang\n, that time marks a shift from the yang period of growth to the yin period of decay. Early celebrations of the festival are thought to have been attempts to balance those energies. Over centuries the ancient agricultural rites merged with legends of self-sacrifice and apotropaic rituals—rituals to turn away evil forces—to form the festival as it is practiced today.\nThe festival is now also celebrated in several neighboring countries in\nEast Asia\nand throughout the Chinese\ndiaspora\n. It was suppressed in China during the communist government’s\nCultural Revolution\n(1966–76), but later government efforts to support Chinese\nculture\nhave revived the ancient festival. It was declared an official holiday in China in 2008 and is celebrated over three days. In 2009 the Dragon Boat Festival became the first Chinese holiday to be added to\nUNESCO\n’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In some modern instances, dragon boat racing has drifted from its religious and cultural moorings to become a popular\nrowing\nsport.\nVarious legends with different memorialized heroes, most of whom took their own lives in rivers, are recounted in different parts of China to explain this festival’s origins. The most popular\nlegend\n, which establishes the origin of both the festival’s boats and dumplings, links the festival to the death of patriotic poet\nQu Yuan\n(c. 339–278\nbce\n). He lived during the\nWarring States\nperiod and was a trusted\ncounselor\nto the king of\nChu\n, but he was later accused of treason and exiled. In despair over his banishment, Qu Yuan wandered southern Chu, writing poetry and observing the\nshamanistic\nfolk rites and legends that greatly influenced his works. When he heard that Chu’s capital had been conquered, he was so\ndistraught\nthat he drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth month. In honor of this great poet, the holiday is sometimes called Poet’s Day. In some quarters of the tradition it is said that for years after his death devotees threw food into the river as offerings to the great Qu Yuan’s spirit, but a\nwater dragon\ngot to it first, so Qu Yuan came back from the dead to suggest they wrap the food in leaves, thereby creating the festival’s signature sticky rice\ndumplings\n(\nzongzi\n). In other quarters it is said that people searched for his body in their boats in an attempt to save him, and, unable to locate him, they tossed\nzongzi\ninto the river to distract fish from eating his body. Evidence of dragon boat racing in honor of Qu Yuan can be dated to the 5th or 6th century\nce\n. The\nHubei\nand\nHunan\nprovinces in particular celebrate the memory of Qu Yuan at the annual Dragon Boat Festival.\nAnother legend extends the festival’s origins earlier to the\nSpring and Autumn period\nand the death of statesman Wu Zixu in 484\nbce\n. His father and brother were killed by the king of Chu, which led him to seek refuge in the Wu kingdom, where he was eventually betrayed and forced to kill himself. His body was tossed in the\nQiantang River\non the fifth day of the fifth month. His fury is said to have created such raging tides that people in some parts of China\nworship\nhim as a river god. This legend is told in\nFujian\n,\nJiangsu\n, and\nZhejiang\nprovinces.\nA third legend, also from Zhejiang province, recounts the tragic story of a 14-year-old girl named Cao E whose father had been missing for several days after going fishing. Beside herself in sorrow, she went to the Shunjiang River to search for him. Accounts differ on whether she intended to kill herself in the water or jumped in thinking she could save her father. It is said that her dead body was found holding her father’s dead body a few days later. This legend, which places Cao E’s death at 143\nce\n, varies regarding whether it was the fifth day of the fifth month that her father went to the river to fish or the fifth day of the fifth month that she jumped into the river to retrieve his body. Unlike the previous legends that feature men’s self-sacrifice to country, Cao E’s story emphasizes the\nConfucian\nideal of\nfilial piety\n—that is, devotion to one’s family.\nAnother hero\ncommemorated\non this holiday in some corners and in more recent times is the feminist poet Qiu Jin (1875–1907). She rejected gender norms in traditional Chinese society that kept women in the home and deprived them of education. She was also a revolutionary opposed to the\nQing\nempire. Beheaded in 1907 by the Qing government, which accused her of conspiring to overthrow it, she became a\nmartyr\nand is sometimes called China’s “\nJoan of Arc\n.” She is honored on Poet’s Day, along with Qu Yuan and the others.\nTrusted knowledge for those who want to know more.\nSUBSCRIBE\nOf dragons, dumplings, and dangerous things\nThe\ndragons\nfeatured in this festival are among the most important creatures in Chinese mythology. They symbolize power, strength, and luck and are believed to control the seasons, harvests, rain, water, typhoons, and floods. Thus, a key part of the festival involves worshipping the dragon god. Additionally, the legend of people searching for Qu Yuan in their boats ties in with the practice of dragon boat racing.\nThe traditional sport of dragon boat racing\ncombines\na festive atmosphere with the exciting tensions of a competitive match. Dragon boats are narrow and long, ranging in length from about 40 feet (12 meters) to more than 100 feet (35 meters), and are decorated with the head and tail of a dragon. They are guided by a designated steerer at the stern and powered by two rows of paddlers (crews can have from 20 to about 80 members), who paddle in unison to the beat of a drummer usually seated at the bow. In historical times crews would consist of teams from different clans or guilds who competed in bitter rivalries. Dragon boat racing has become increasingly popular, and in the 2020 Tokyo\nOlympic Games\n(held in 2021 because of the\nCOVID-19 pandemic\n) it was included as a demonstration sport, with many professional dragon boaters hoping that it might eventually become a medal sport.\nYummy\nzongzi\nZongzi\ndumplings, wrapped in leaves and tied up, ready for the Dragon Boat Festival.\nLike many festivals around the world, the Dragon Boat Festival conspicuously features special foods, most notably\nzongzi\ndumplings. The\nzongzi\ndumplings are associated with the Qu Yuan legend.\nZongzi\nare made with glutinous rice and stuffed with a variety of sweet or\nsavory\nfillings, including dates, egg yolks, and meat. The pyramid-shaped dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves, tied with a string, and steamed or boiled. Other popular foods include eggs steamed with tea, thin pancakes, eel, and glutinous rice cakes. Celebrants might also drink realgar wine—wine made from fermented grains and sprinkled with\nrealgar\nminerals—which is said to fight off diseases, snakes, and wicked spirits.\nAlso called:\nDouble Fifth Festival or Poet’s Day\nMandarin:\nDuanwu Jie\nCantonese:\nTuen Ng\nMany of the festival’s rituals are rooted in intentions to free people of misfortunes associated with the fifth month, and various rituals and talismans are employed out of a belief that they might provide protection. It is thought in Chinese\nculture\nthat this time period is associated with a surge in\ncontagious\ndiseases and plagues and increased activity of the five poisonous creatures (\nsnakes\n,\nscorpions\n,\ncentipedes\n,\nlizards\n, and\ntoads\n; sometimes\nspiders\nappear in place of one of those). A tableau illustration of these five creatures can be seen frequently throughout China. In order to ward off evil influences, celebrants bathe in flower-scented water and wear perfume pouches. Additional practices involve employing the five colors—blue, red, yellow, black, and white—that represent the five elements and five natural forces. In combination, they are said to be protective, and threads of them might be worn on the body or tied around wrists and ankles. Hanging items over doorways and on windows is another tradition of the festival. People hang plants such as calamus, mugwort, and\nwormwood\nto\navoid\nbad luck and fend off disease. Finally, one might also see on this holiday portraits of Zhong Kui, a mythical figure who the Tang emperor\nXuanzong\ndreamed about before recovering from a monthlong illness. According to this legend, Zhong Kui was a scholar who tragically killed himself over a slight but returned in the afterlife to defeat demons and ghosts with his sword, offering further protection on this holiday for people fearful of dangerous spirits and creatures.","attrs_markdown":"[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel\/eb-logo\/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/)\n\n[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel\/eb-logo\/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav-mobile&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen)\n\nLogin\n\nhttps:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm\\_source=premium\\&utm\\_medium=nav-login-box\\&utm\\_campaign=evergreen\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=hamburger-menu&utm_campaign=blue)\n\n[Ask the Chatbot](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/chatbot)\n\n[Games & Quizzes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/browse) [History & Society](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/History-Society) [Science & Tech](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Science-Tech) [Biographies](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Biographies) [Animals & Nature](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Animals-Nature) [Geography & Travel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Geography-Travel) [Arts & Culture](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Arts-Culture) [ProCon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/procon) [Money](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money) [Videos](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/videos)\n\n[Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival)\n\n- [Introduction](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival)\n- [History of the Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival#ref378945)\n- [Legends of the Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival#ref378946)\n- [Of dragons, dumplings, and dangerous things](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival#ref378947)\n\n[References & Edit History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival\/additional-info)  [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Dragon-Boat-Festival)\n\n[Images & Videos](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival\/images-videos)\n\n[![Dragon boat racing during the Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/60\/258360-004-F2BF93EB\/dragon-boat-race-in-chongqing-municipality-june-2023.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/60\/258360-050-9302DAD6\/dragon-boat-race-in-chongqing-municipality-june-2023.jpg)  [![Three dragon boats with paddlers in a race on a lake, with a grassy shoreline in the background. Red and yellow buoys mark the course.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/84\/265784-004-51926686\/dragon-boat-race-featuring-dragon-diva-lake-arlington-illinois-2015.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/84\/265784-050-4AF3F416\/dragon-boat-race-featuring-dragon-diva-lake-arlington-illinois-2015.jpg)  [![Qu Yuan, the poet whose tragic death is commemorated in the Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/37\/258537-004-C83B579C\/Qu-Yuan-Ancient-Chinese-Poet.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/37\/258537-050-8D7D2B77\/Qu-Yuan-Ancient-Chinese-Poet.jpg)  [![Here there be dragons\\!](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/20\/249020-004-DD3991C9\/Chinese-dragon-sculpture-or-statue.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/20\/249020-050-931D85D6\/Chinese-dragon-sculpture-or-statue.jpg)  [![Yummy zongzi](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/64\/258064-004-D32C97ED\/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/64\/258064-050-263BE037\/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg)\n\n[![Inside the annual Dragon Boat Festival in Schwerin, Germany](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/15\/179715-138-A7BBC36C\/Overview-dragon-boat-race-Germany-Schwerin.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/Overview-dragon-boat-race-Germany-Schwerin\/-194913)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-178\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5)\n\nAsk Anything\n\nQuick Summary\n\n[Lifestyles & Social Issues](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Lifestyles-Social-Issues)    [Festivals & Holidays](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Festivals-Holidays)\n\nCITE\n\nShare\n\nFeedback\n\nExternal Websites\n\n[![Dragon boat racing during the Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/60\/258360-050-9302DAD6\/dragon-boat-race-in-chongqing-municipality-june-2023.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/60\/258360-050-9302DAD6\/dragon-boat-race-in-chongqing-municipality-june-2023.jpg)\n\n[Dragon boat racing during the Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/60\/258360-050-9302DAD6\/dragon-boat-race-in-chongqing-municipality-june-2023.jpg) Participants competing in a dragon boat race in southwest China's Chongqing municipality, June 22, 2023.\n\n(more)\n\n# Dragon Boat Festival\nChinese holiday\n\nHomework Help\n\nAlso known as: Double Fifth Festival, Duanwu Jie, Poet’s Day, Tuen Ng[(Show More)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival)\n\nWritten by\n\n[Laura Payne Laura Payne is a freelance writer whose work covers many topics. She is a former Wayne State University linguistics instructor.](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/contributor\/laura-payne\/12949035)\n\nLaura Payne[All](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival\/additional-info#contributors)\n\nFact-checked by\n\n[Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\nBritannica Editors\n\n[History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival\/additional-info#history)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-178\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5) Britannica AI\n\nAsk Anything\n\nQuick Summary\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nQuick Summary\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTop Questions\n\n- What is the Dragon Boat Festival?\n- When is the Dragon Boat Festival celebrated?\n- What are the main traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival?\n- Why are dragon boat races important during this festival?\n- Who is Qu Yuan, and how is he connected to the Dragon Boat Festival?\n- What foods are commonly eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, and why?\n\nShow more\n\nShow less\n\n[![Three dragon boats with paddlers in a race on a lake, with a grassy shoreline in the background. Red and yellow buoys mark the course.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/84\/265784-050-4AF3F416\/dragon-boat-race-featuring-dragon-diva-lake-arlington-illinois-2015.jpg?w=300)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/84\/265784-050-4AF3F416\/dragon-boat-race-featuring-dragon-diva-lake-arlington-illinois-2015.jpg)\n\n[A dragon boat race in Lake Arlington, IL](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/84\/265784-050-4AF3F416\/dragon-boat-race-featuring-dragon-diva-lake-arlington-illinois-2015.jpg)The Dragon Divas of Minnesota racing in the 2015 Chicago International Dragon Boat race.\n\n(more)\n\n**Dragon Boat Festival**, prominent and festive [Chinese](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China) [holiday](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/holiday) that originated at least 1,500 years ago and features [dragon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dragon-mythological-creature) boat races and rice dumplings. It is one of the three “festivals of the living,” along with the [Chinese New Year](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year) and the [Mid-Autumn Festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/story\/shine-on-harvest-moon-festival). Known as Duanwu Jie in [Mandarin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Mandarin-language) and Tuen Ng in [Cantonese](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Cantonese-language), it is also called the Double Fifth Festival, because it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the [Chinese calendar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/Chinese-calendar), which falls in May or June on the [Gregorian calendar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Gregorian-calendar). [Legends](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/Legends) associated with the festival and its observance center on memorials for local heroes. The celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival includes various activities involving dragons, otherworldly spirits, plenty of food, and folk entertainment. The holiday is also associated with rituals to ward off evil spirits and disease, which are thought to threaten during the fifth month.\n\n## History of the Dragon Boat Festival\nThe origins of the festival, according to scholars, likely predate the legends told about it. The holiday is probably associated with ancient fertility rites to ensure a good rice [harvest](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/harvest). The association with dragons might have developed from the role dragons were thought to play in rainfall and the importance of rivers in [rice](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/plant\/rice) cultivation. The festival might have originated in southern [China](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China) where the dragon god has been [worshipped](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/worshipped) and regarded as a sacred emblem and ancestor. The holiday occurs about the time of the [summer solstice](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/summer-solstice-astronomy), and, according to the philosophy of [yinyang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/yinyang), that time marks a shift from the yang period of growth to the yin period of decay. Early celebrations of the festival are thought to have been attempts to balance those energies. Over centuries the ancient agricultural rites merged with legends of self-sacrifice and apotropaic rituals—rituals to turn away evil forces—to form the festival as it is practiced today.\n\nThe festival is now also celebrated in several neighboring countries in [East Asia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/East-Asia) and throughout the Chinese [diaspora](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/diaspora-social-science). It was suppressed in China during the communist government’s [Cultural Revolution](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Cultural-Revolution) (1966–76), but later government efforts to support Chinese [culture](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/culture) have revived the ancient festival. It was declared an official holiday in China in 2008 and is celebrated over three days. In 2009 the Dragon Boat Festival became the first Chinese holiday to be added to [UNESCO](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/UNESCO)’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In some modern instances, dragon boat racing has drifted from its religious and cultural moorings to become a popular [rowing](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/rowing-boat-propulsion-and-sport) sport.\n\n## Legends of the Dragon Boat Festival\n[![Qu Yuan, the poet whose tragic death is commemorated in the Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/37\/258537-050-8D7D2B77\/Qu-Yuan-Ancient-Chinese-Poet.jpg?w=300)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/37\/258537-050-8D7D2B77\/Qu-Yuan-Ancient-Chinese-Poet.jpg)\n\n[Qu Yuan, the poet whose tragic death is commemorated in the Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/37\/258537-050-8D7D2B77\/Qu-Yuan-Ancient-Chinese-Poet.jpg)Portrait of Qu Yuan on a hand-scroll portrait by Chen Hongshou, early 17th century.\n\n(more)\n\nVarious legends with different memorialized heroes, most of whom took their own lives in rivers, are recounted in different parts of China to explain this festival’s origins. The most popular [legend](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/legend), which establishes the origin of both the festival’s boats and dumplings, links the festival to the death of patriotic poet [Qu Yuan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Qu-Yuan) (c. 339–278 bce). He lived during the [Warring States](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Warring-States) period and was a trusted [counselor](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/counselor) to the king of [Chu](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Chu-ancient-state-China-770-223-BCE), but he was later accused of treason and exiled. In despair over his banishment, Qu Yuan wandered southern Chu, writing poetry and observing the [shamanistic](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/shamanism) folk rites and legends that greatly influenced his works. When he heard that Chu’s capital had been conquered, he was so [distraught](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/distraught) that he drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth month. In honor of this great poet, the holiday is sometimes called Poet’s Day. In some quarters of the tradition it is said that for years after his death devotees threw food into the river as offerings to the great Qu Yuan’s spirit, but a [water dragon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/plant\/lizards-tail) got to it first, so Qu Yuan came back from the dead to suggest they wrap the food in leaves, thereby creating the festival’s signature sticky rice [dumplings](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dumpling) (*zongzi*). In other quarters it is said that people searched for his body in their boats in an attempt to save him, and, unable to locate him, they tossed *zongzi* into the river to distract fish from eating his body. Evidence of dragon boat racing in honor of Qu Yuan can be dated to the 5th or 6th century ce. The [Hubei](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Hubei) and [Hunan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Hunan) provinces in particular celebrate the memory of Qu Yuan at the annual Dragon Boat Festival.\n\nAnother legend extends the festival’s origins earlier to the [Spring and Autumn period](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Spring-and-Autumn-Period) and the death of statesman Wu Zixu in 484 bce. His father and brother were killed by the king of Chu, which led him to seek refuge in the Wu kingdom, where he was eventually betrayed and forced to kill himself. His body was tossed in the [Qiantang River](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Fuchun-River) on the fifth day of the fifth month. His fury is said to have created such raging tides that people in some parts of China [worship](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/worship) him as a river god. This legend is told in [Fujian](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Fujian), [Jiangsu](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Jiangsu), and [Zhejiang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Zhejiang) provinces.\n\nA third legend, also from Zhejiang province, recounts the tragic story of a 14-year-old girl named Cao E whose father had been missing for several days after going fishing. Beside herself in sorrow, she went to the Shunjiang River to search for him. Accounts differ on whether she intended to kill herself in the water or jumped in thinking she could save her father. It is said that her dead body was found holding her father’s dead body a few days later. This legend, which places Cao E’s death at 143 ce, varies regarding whether it was the fifth day of the fifth month that her father went to the river to fish or the fifth day of the fifth month that she jumped into the river to retrieve his body. Unlike the previous legends that feature men’s self-sacrifice to country, Cao E’s story emphasizes the [Confucian](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Confucianism) ideal of [filial piety](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/xiao-Confucianism)—that is, devotion to one’s family.\n\nAnother hero [commemorated](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/commemorated) on this holiday in some corners and in more recent times is the feminist poet Qiu Jin (1875–1907). She rejected gender norms in traditional Chinese society that kept women in the home and deprived them of education. She was also a revolutionary opposed to the [Qing](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Qing-dynasty) empire. Beheaded in 1907 by the Qing government, which accused her of conspiring to overthrow it, she became a [martyr](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/martyr) and is sometimes called China’s “[Joan of Arc](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Saint-Joan-of-Arc).” She is honored on Poet’s Day, along with Qu Yuan and the others.\n\nExplore Britannica Premium\\!\n\nTrusted knowledge for those who want to know more.\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=shorter-2026)\n\n![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-left.webp)\n\n![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-right.webp)\n\n![Mobile](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-mobile.webp?w=400)\n\n## Of dragons, dumplings, and dangerous things\n[![Here there be dragons\\!](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/20\/249020-050-931D85D6\/Chinese-dragon-sculpture-or-statue.jpg?w=300)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/20\/249020-050-931D85D6\/Chinese-dragon-sculpture-or-statue.jpg)\n\n[Here there be dragons\\!](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/20\/249020-050-931D85D6\/Chinese-dragon-sculpture-or-statue.jpg)A sculpture of a Chinese dragon.\n\n(more)\n\nThe [dragons](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dragon-mythological-creature) featured in this festival are among the most important creatures in Chinese mythology. They symbolize power, strength, and luck and are believed to control the seasons, harvests, rain, water, typhoons, and floods. Thus, a key part of the festival involves worshipping the dragon god. Additionally, the legend of people searching for Qu Yuan in their boats ties in with the practice of dragon boat racing.\n\nThe traditional sport of dragon boat racing [combines](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/combines) a festive atmosphere with the exciting tensions of a competitive match. Dragon boats are narrow and long, ranging in length from about 40 feet (12 meters) to more than 100 feet (35 meters), and are decorated with the head and tail of a dragon. They are guided by a designated steerer at the stern and powered by two rows of paddlers (crews can have from 20 to about 80 members), who paddle in unison to the beat of a drummer usually seated at the bow. In historical times crews would consist of teams from different clans or guilds who competed in bitter rivalries. Dragon boat racing has become increasingly popular, and in the 2020 Tokyo [Olympic Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Olympic-Games) (held in 2021 because of the [COVID-19 pandemic](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/What-was-the-impact-of-COVID-19)) it was included as a demonstration sport, with many professional dragon boaters hoping that it might eventually become a medal sport.\n\n[![Yummy zongzi](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/64\/258064-050-263BE037\/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg?w=300)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/64\/258064-050-263BE037\/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg)\n\n[Yummy *zongzi*](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/64\/258064-050-263BE037\/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg)*Zongzi* dumplings, wrapped in leaves and tied up, ready for the Dragon Boat Festival.\n\n(more)\n\nLike many festivals around the world, the Dragon Boat Festival conspicuously features special foods, most notably *zongzi* dumplings. The *zongzi* dumplings are associated with the Qu Yuan legend. *Zongzi* are made with glutinous rice and stuffed with a variety of sweet or [savory](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/savory) fillings, including dates, egg yolks, and meat. The pyramid-shaped dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves, tied with a string, and steamed or boiled. Other popular foods include eggs steamed with tea, thin pancakes, eel, and glutinous rice cakes. Celebrants might also drink realgar wine—wine made from fermented grains and sprinkled with [realgar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/realgar) minerals—which is said to fight off diseases, snakes, and wicked spirits.\n\nAlso called:\n\nDouble Fifth Festival or Poet’s Day\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nMandarin:\n\nDuanwu Jie\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nCantonese:\n\nTuen Ng\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nRelated Topics:\n\n[China](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China)\n\n[dragon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dragon-mythological-creature)\n\n[holiday](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/holiday)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\n[See all related content](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Dragon-Boat-Festival)\n\nMany of the festival’s rituals are rooted in intentions to free people of misfortunes associated with the fifth month, and various rituals and talismans are employed out of a belief that they might provide protection. It is thought in Chinese [culture](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/culture) that this time period is associated with a surge in [contagious](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/contagious) diseases and plagues and increased activity of the five poisonous creatures ([snakes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/snake), [scorpions](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/scorpion), [centipedes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/centipede), [lizards](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/lizard), and [toads](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/toad); sometimes [spiders](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/spider-arachnid) appear in place of one of those). A tableau illustration of these five creatures can be seen frequently throughout China. In order to ward off evil influences, celebrants bathe in flower-scented water and wear perfume pouches. Additional practices involve employing the five colors—blue, red, yellow, black, and white—that represent the five elements and five natural forces. In combination, they are said to be protective, and threads of them might be worn on the body or tied around wrists and ankles. Hanging items over doorways and on windows is another tradition of the festival. People hang plants such as calamus, mugwort, and [wormwood](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/plant\/wormwood-plant) to [avoid](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/avoid) bad luck and fend off disease. Finally, one might also see on this holiday portraits of Zhong Kui, a mythical figure who the Tang emperor [Xuanzong](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Xuanzong) dreamed about before recovering from a monthlong illness. According to this legend, Zhong Kui was a scholar who tragically killed himself over a slight but returned in the afterlife to defeat demons and ghosts with his sword, offering further protection on this holiday for people fearful of dangerous spirits and creatures.\n\n[Laura Payne](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/contributor\/laura-payne\/12949035) [Charles Preston](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/charles-preston\/13008388)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-178\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5)Britannica AI\n\n*chevron\\_right*\n\nDragon Boat Festival\n\n*close*\n\n[AI-generated answers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.\n\n[Chinese New Year](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year)\n\n- [Introduction & Top Questions](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year)\n- [History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year#ref470248)\n- [Traditions and celebration](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year#ref470249)\n- [Food traditions](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year#ref470250)\n- [The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year#ref470251)\n\n[References & Edit History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year\/additional-info)  [Related Topics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Chinese-New-Year)\n\n[Images & Videos](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year\/images-videos)\n\n[![Chinese New Year](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/45\/195645-004-3B211EA7\/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/45\/195645-050-C2BA680A\/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg)\n\n[![An illustration of a large purple monster against a dark landscape.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/81\/238181-138-086E4858\/Lunar-New-Year.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/Lunar-New-Year\/-274942)\n\n[![Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/29\/158229-004-27749378\/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/29\/158229-050-F6244412\/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)\n\n[![The animals of the Chinese zodiac illustrated against an orange background.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/55\/238255-138-294D501B\/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac\/-275459)\n\n[![Chinese zodiac chart](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/267080-004-D867F6AA\/chinese-zodiac.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/267080-050-D2A05320\/chinese-zodiac.jpg)  [![Lunar New Year](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/12\/146912-004-7FA19ED4\/Red-lanterns-trees-Lunar-New-Year-Beijing.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/12\/146912-050-7808C7C2\/Red-lanterns-trees-Lunar-New-Year-Beijing.jpg)\n\n[![Traditions of the Chinese New Year](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/48\/179948-138-8EE57BD5\/Overview-Chinese-New-Year.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/Overview-Chinese-New-Year\/-193482)\n\nRelated Questions\n\n- [What are three don’ts on Chinese New Year’s Day?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/What-are-three-donts-on-Chinese-New-Years-Day)\n- [What are New Year festivals?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/What-are-New-Year-festivals)\n- [Why does the new year begin on January 1?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/Why-does-the-new-year-begin-on-January-1)\n- [How is New Year’s Eve celebrated?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/How-is-New-Years-Eve-celebrated)\n- [Why does a ball drop on New Year’s Eve?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/Why-does-a-ball-drop-on-New-Years-Eve)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-178\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5)\n\nContents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n[Lifestyles & Social Issues](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Lifestyles-Social-Issues)    [Festivals & Holidays](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Festivals-Holidays)\n\nCITE\n\nShare\n\nFeedback\n\nExternal Websites\n\n[![Chinese New Year](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/45\/195645-050-C2BA680A\/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/45\/195645-050-C2BA680A\/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg)\n\n[Chinese New Year](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/45\/195645-050-C2BA680A\/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg) Dragon performers in the Chinese New Year parade in Los Angeles.\n\n(more)\n\n# Chinese New Year\nHomework Help\n\nWritten by\n\n[Tamanna Nangia Tamanna Nangia is Associate Editor, Encyclopaedia Britannica. She has over five years of experience in editorial processes, handling many different aspects of the publishing process: content development,...](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/tamanna-nangia\/13068200)\n\nTamanna Nangia\n\nFact-checked by\n\n[Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\nBritannica Editors\n\nLast updated\n\nFeb. 11, 2026\n\n•[History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year\/additional-info#history)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-178\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5) Britannica AI\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTop Questions\n\n### What is the Chinese New Year?\nChinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is a 15-day festival celebrated in [China](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China) and by Chinese communities worldwide that begins with the new [moon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/moon-natural-satellite) between January 21 and February 20; festivities last until the following full moon.\n\n### What animal is the Chinese New Year in 2026?\nIn 2026 the Chinese New Year marks the Year of the Horse, according to the [Chinese zodiac](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-zodiac) calendar.\n\n### What are three don’ts on Chinese New Year’s Day?\nOn the first day of the New Year, sweeping or cleaning is avoided as it is believed to brush away good fortune. During the 15 days of celebration, breaking objects is considered a bad omen, as it is thought to bring bad luck, and gifting or buying new books is discouraged because the word for “book” sounds like “lose” in [Chinese](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-languages).\n\n### How long is Chinese New Year celebrated?\nThe Chinese New Year is celebrated over a period of 15 days.\n\n### What foods are traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year?\nTraditional foods include [carp](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/carp-fish-species) for long life, whole [fish](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/fish) for abundance, [dumplings](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dumpling) and spring rolls for wealth, long [noodles](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/noodle) for longevity, sticky rice cakes for success, and [citrus](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/plant\/Citrus) fruits for good luck.\n\n## News •\n[Bok Kai Festival, one of California's oldest Chinese New Year traditions, returns to Marysville](https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/sacramento\/video\/bok-kai-festival-one-of-californias-oldest-chinese-new-year-traditions-returns-to-marysville\/)\n\n• Mar. 22, 2026, 2:11 AM ET (CBS)\n\n...(Show more)\n\n[Muslims in Bali hold Idul Fitri prayers after Nyepi or day of silence](https:\/\/www.thestar.com.my\/aseanplus\/aseanplus-news\/2026\/03\/21\/muslims-in-bali-hold-idul-fitri-prayers-after-nyepi-or-day-of-silence)  • Mar. 21, 2026, 5:09 AM ET (The Star)\n\n[Hong Kong to test new campsite booking system amid overcrowding, litter concerns](https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/hong-kong\/health-environment\/article\/3347018\/hong-kong-test-new-campsite-booking-system-amid-overcrowding-litter-concerns)  • Mar. 18, 2026, 4:54 AM ET (South China Morning Post)\n\n[Chinese New Year boosts Hong Kong visitor numbers in first 2 months of 2026](https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/news\/hong-kong\/hong-kong-economy\/article\/3346858\/did-chinese-new-year-help-boost-hong-kongs-visitor-figures-january-february)  • Mar. 17, 2026, 2:52 AM ET (South China Morning Post)\n\nShow less\n\n**Chinese New Year**, annual 15-day [festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/feast-religion) in [China](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China) and Chinese [communities](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/communities) around the world that begins with the new [moon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/moon-natural-satellite) occurring sometime between [January](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/January) 21 and [February](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/February) 20, according to Western [calendars](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/calendar). Festivities last until the following [full moon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/full-Moon-lunar-phase).\n\n[![An illustration of a large purple monster against a dark landscape.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/81\/238181-138-086E4858\/Lunar-New-Year.jpg?w=800&h=450&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/Lunar-New-Year\/-274942)\n\nThe Legend of Lunar New YearThousands of years ago, a monster named Nian prowled the Chinese countryside...\n\n(more)\n\n[See all videos for this article](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year\/images-videos)\n\nThe [holiday](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/holiday) is sometimes called the [Lunar New Year](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Lunar-New-Year) because the dates of celebration follow the phases of the moon. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general.\n\n## History\nThe origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in [legend](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/legend). One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so those things were used to chase the beast away.\n\n## Traditions and celebration\n[![Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/29\/158229-050-F6244412\/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg?w=300)1 of 2](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/29\/158229-050-F6244412\/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)\n\n[Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/29\/158229-050-F6244412\/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)Light display of a dragon at a Lantern Festival marking the end of the Chinese New Year.\n\n(more)\n\n[![The animals of the Chinese zodiac illustrated against an orange background.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/55\/238255-138-294D501B\/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=800&h=450&c=crop)2 of 2](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac\/-275459)\n\nDiscover the Myth Behind the Chinese Zodiac2026: The Year of the Horse.\n\n(more)\n\n[See all videos for this article](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year\/images-videos)\n\nOne popular Chinese New Year tradition is the thorough cleaning of one’s home to rid the residence of any lingering bad luck. Some people prepare and enjoy special foods on certain days during the holiday. Celebrations to [usher](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/usher) out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one often include firecrackers, [fireworks](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/firework), and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colorful red envelopes. The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the [Lantern Festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Lantern-Festival), during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime [parade](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/parade). Since the [dragon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dragon-mythological-creature) is a Chinese symbol of good fortune, a dragon dance highlights festival celebrations in many areas. This [procession](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/procession) involves a long, colorful dragon being carried through the streets by numerous dancers. In addition Chinese New Year is a time to feast and visit family. Along with the celebrations, Chinese New Year is associated with a few [superstitions](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/superstitions). Breaking objects is considered a bad omen and is thought to bring bad luck. Gifting or buying new books is discouraged because the word for “book” sounds like “lose” in Chinese. Arguments and anger are avoided to ensure harmony, and sweeping or cleaning on the first day is seen as inauspicious, as it is believed to brush away good fortune.\n\n## Food traditions\nFamilies prepare food in advance since using sharp objects on New Year’s Day is considered unlucky. Particular dishes are chosen for the hopeful meanings suggested by their names, such as [carp](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/carp-fish-species), which represents a long life. Many traditional dishes served during this festival reflect wishes for [prosperity](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/prosperity), health, and longevity. The celebrations begin on the eve of Chinese New Year, and a whole [fish](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/fish) is almost always present on the table because the Chinese word for “fish” sounds like the word for “surplus,” suggesting abundance will flow throughout the year. [Dumplings](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dumpling) (*jiaozi*), with their crescent shapes resembling ancient [ingots](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/ingot) of [gold](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/gold-chemical-element), are a must-have. Uncut long noodles are consumed to represent longevity, with the belief that eating them without breaking the strands will bring long life. Sticky rice cakes called *nian gao* are commonly consumed, because their name means “high year,” implying steady progress and success in whatever one pursues. [Crisp](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/Crisp), golden spring rolls mirror ancient gold bars, symbolizing wealth, and bright citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines are shared because their round shape and color evoke fullness, success, and good luck.\n\nAlso called:\n\nLunar New Year\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nRelated Topics:\n\n[China](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China)\n\n[Chinese zodiac](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-zodiac)\n\n[Lunar New Year](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Lunar-New-Year)\n\n[January](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/January)\n\n[February](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/February)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\n[See all related content](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Chinese-New-Year)\n\n## The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac\n[![Chinese zodiac chart](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/267080-050-D2A05320\/chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=1000)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/267080-050-D2A05320\/chinese-zodiac.jpg)\n\n[Chinese zodiac chart](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/267080-050-D2A05320\/chinese-zodiac.jpg)Find your Chinese zodiac sign and element based on your birth year in this chart.\n\n(more)\n\nThe Chinese [lunar calendar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/lunar-calendar) operates on a 12-year [zodiac](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/zodiac) cycle, with each year represented by an animal. Every animal in this zodiac system, which is called [Sheng Xiao](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-zodiac), is believed to have a personality that represents the year and the people born during that year. The Chinese zodiac year begins with Chinese New Year, thus changing the cycle to a new animal. In the Chinese tradition, a person’s birth year—rather than their birth month—is considered key to understanding character and fortune. For example, 2026 is recognized as the Year of the Horse.\n\nExplore Britannica Premium\\!\n\nGo beyond the basics with trusted, in-depth knowledge for professionals, students, and lifelong learners.\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=basics-2026)\n\n![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-left.webp)\n\n![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-right.webp)\n\n![Mobile](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-mobile.webp?w=400)\n\n| animal | traits | year of the zodiac (2026–37) |\n|---|---|---|\n| [horse](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/horse) | represents motion, liveliness, freedom, and enthusiasm | 2026 |\n| [sheep](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/domesticated-sheep) | symbolizes tranquility, peace, compassion, creativity, and emotional awareness | 2027 |\n| [monkey](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/monkey) | stands for curiosity, mischief, flexibility, and clever problem-solving | 2028 |\n| [rooster](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/chicken) | represents confidence, inflexibility, and attention to detail | 2029 |\n| [dog](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/dog) | symbolizes loyalty, reliability, fairness, and protection | 2030 |\n| [pig](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/pig-mammal-group) | represents honesty, self-indulgence, generosity, and abundance | 2031 |\n| [rat](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/rat) | represents quick thinking, sharp intuition, and adaptability | 2032 |\n| [ox](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/ox-mammal-Bos-taurus) | symbolizes fertility, patience, hard work, persistence, and dependability | 2033 |\n| [tiger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/tiger) | stands for independence, passion, and impulsiveness | 2034 |\n| [rabbit](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/rabbit) | represents calm, healing, sensitivity, and sacrifice | 2035 |\n| [dragon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dragon-mythological-creature) | symbolizes luck, fortune, independence, intuition, and leadership | 2036 |\n| [snake](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/snake) | signifies wisdom, intuition, careful observation, and inward reflection | 2037 |\n\n[Tamanna Nangia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/tamanna-nangia\/13068200) [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-178\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5)Britannica AI\n\n*chevron\\_right*\n\nChinese New Year\n\n*close*\n\n[AI-generated answers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.\n\nLoad Next Page\n\nFeedback\n\nThank you for your feedback\n\nOur editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.\n\n*print* Print\n\nPlease select which sections you would like to print:\n\n*verified*Cite\n\nWhile every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.\n\nSelect Citation Style\n\nPayne, Laura, Preston, Charles. \"Dragon Boat Festival\". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 11 Aug. 2025, https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival. Accessed 8 April 2026.\n\nCopy Citation\n\nShare\n\nShare to social media\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BRITANNICA\/) [X](https:\/\/x.com\/britannica)\n\nURL\n\n<https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Dragon-Boat-Festival>\n\nExternal Websites\n\n- [National Library Board Singapore - Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/www.nlb.gov.sg\/main\/article-detail?cmsuuid=4dcbe584-01f7-4391-a613-bbd1c91a2434)\n\nFeedback\n\nThank you for your feedback\n\nOur editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.\n\n*print* Print\n\nPlease select which sections you would like to print:\n\n*verified*Cite\n\nWhile every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.\n\nSelect Citation Style\n\nNangia, Tamanna. \"Chinese New Year\". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 11 Feb. 2026, https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year. Accessed 8 April 2026.\n\nCopy Citation\n\nShare\n\nShare to social media\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BRITANNICA\/) [X](https:\/\/x.com\/britannica)\n\nURL\n\n<https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year>\n\nExternal Websites\n\n- [Western Kentucky University - TopSCHOLAR - The Origin of Chinese New Year (PDF)](https:\/\/digitalcommons.wku.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=1114&context=dlps_fac_pub)\n- [CBS News - Where is the lunar new year celebrated and who celebrates it?](https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/lunar-new-year-chinese-new-year-snake-celebrate-2025\/)\n- [United States Department of State - American English - Chinese New Year (PDF)](https:\/\/americanenglish.state.gov\/files\/ae\/resource_files\/chinesenewyear.pdf)\n- [Wake Forest University - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology - Chinese New Year](https:\/\/lammuseum.wfu.edu\/education\/teachers\/chinese-new-year\/)\n- [Columbia University - Asia for Educators - The Lunar New Year: Rituals and Legends](https:\/\/afe.easia.columbia.edu\/special\/china_general_lunar.htm)\n- [Live Science - Chinese New Year: Customs & Traditions](https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/61773-chinese-new-year.html)\n- [Royal Museums Greenwich - How do people celebrate Chinese New Year?](https:\/\/www.rmg.co.uk\/stories\/time\/how-do-people-celebrate-chinese-new-year)\n\nBritannica Websites\n\nArticles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.\n\n- [Chinese New Year - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)](https:\/\/kids.britannica.com\/kids\/article\/Chinese-New-Year\/390118)\n- [Chinese New Year - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)](https:\/\/kids.britannica.com\/students\/article\/Chinese-New-Year\/574653)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Top Questions\n\n- What is the Dragon Boat Festival?\n- When is the Dragon Boat Festival celebrated?\n- What are the main traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival?\n- Why are dragon boat races important during this festival?\n- Who is Qu Yuan, and how is he connected to the Dragon Boat Festival?\n- What foods are commonly eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, and why?\n\n**Dragon Boat Festival**, prominent and festive [Chinese](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China) [holiday](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/holiday) that originated at least 1,500 years ago and features [dragon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dragon-mythological-creature) boat races and rice dumplings. It is one of the three “festivals of the living,” along with the [Chinese New Year](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Chinese-New-Year) and the [Mid-Autumn Festival](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/story\/shine-on-harvest-moon-festival). Known as Duanwu Jie in [Mandarin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Mandarin-language) and Tuen Ng in [Cantonese](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Cantonese-language), it is also called the Double Fifth Festival, because it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the [Chinese calendar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/Chinese-calendar), which falls in May or June on the [Gregorian calendar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Gregorian-calendar). [Legends](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/Legends) associated with the festival and its observance center on memorials for local heroes. The celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival includes various activities involving dragons, otherworldly spirits, plenty of food, and folk entertainment. The holiday is also associated with rituals to ward off evil spirits and disease, which are thought to threaten during the fifth month.\n\n## History of the Dragon Boat Festival\nThe origins of the festival, according to scholars, likely predate the legends told about it. The holiday is probably associated with ancient fertility rites to ensure a good rice [harvest](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/harvest). The association with dragons might have developed from the role dragons were thought to play in rainfall and the importance of rivers in [rice](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/plant\/rice) cultivation. The festival might have originated in southern [China](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/China) where the dragon god has been [worshipped](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/worshipped) and regarded as a sacred emblem and ancestor. The holiday occurs about the time of the [summer solstice](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/summer-solstice-astronomy), and, according to the philosophy of [yinyang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/yinyang), that time marks a shift from the yang period of growth to the yin period of decay. Early celebrations of the festival are thought to have been attempts to balance those energies. Over centuries the ancient agricultural rites merged with legends of self-sacrifice and apotropaic rituals—rituals to turn away evil forces—to form the festival as it is practiced today.\n\nThe festival is now also celebrated in several neighboring countries in [East Asia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/East-Asia) and throughout the Chinese [diaspora](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/diaspora-social-science). It was suppressed in China during the communist government’s [Cultural Revolution](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Cultural-Revolution) (1966–76), but later government efforts to support Chinese [culture](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/culture) have revived the ancient festival. It was declared an official holiday in China in 2008 and is celebrated over three days. In 2009 the Dragon Boat Festival became the first Chinese holiday to be added to [UNESCO](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/UNESCO)’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In some modern instances, dragon boat racing has drifted from its religious and cultural moorings to become a popular [rowing](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/rowing-boat-propulsion-and-sport) sport.\n\nVarious legends with different memorialized heroes, most of whom took their own lives in rivers, are recounted in different parts of China to explain this festival’s origins. The most popular [legend](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/legend), which establishes the origin of both the festival’s boats and dumplings, links the festival to the death of patriotic poet [Qu Yuan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Qu-Yuan) (c. 339–278 bce). He lived during the [Warring States](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Warring-States) period and was a trusted [counselor](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/counselor) to the king of [Chu](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Chu-ancient-state-China-770-223-BCE), but he was later accused of treason and exiled. In despair over his banishment, Qu Yuan wandered southern Chu, writing poetry and observing the [shamanistic](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/shamanism) folk rites and legends that greatly influenced his works. When he heard that Chu’s capital had been conquered, he was so [distraught](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/distraught) that he drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth month. In honor of this great poet, the holiday is sometimes called Poet’s Day. In some quarters of the tradition it is said that for years after his death devotees threw food into the river as offerings to the great Qu Yuan’s spirit, but a [water dragon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/plant\/lizards-tail) got to it first, so Qu Yuan came back from the dead to suggest they wrap the food in leaves, thereby creating the festival’s signature sticky rice [dumplings](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dumpling) (*zongzi*). In other quarters it is said that people searched for his body in their boats in an attempt to save him, and, unable to locate him, they tossed *zongzi* into the river to distract fish from eating his body. Evidence of dragon boat racing in honor of Qu Yuan can be dated to the 5th or 6th century ce. The [Hubei](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Hubei) and [Hunan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Hunan) provinces in particular celebrate the memory of Qu Yuan at the annual Dragon Boat Festival.\n\nAnother legend extends the festival’s origins earlier to the [Spring and Autumn period](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Spring-and-Autumn-Period) and the death of statesman Wu Zixu in 484 bce. His father and brother were killed by the king of Chu, which led him to seek refuge in the Wu kingdom, where he was eventually betrayed and forced to kill himself. His body was tossed in the [Qiantang River](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Fuchun-River) on the fifth day of the fifth month. His fury is said to have created such raging tides that people in some parts of China [worship](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/worship) him as a river god. This legend is told in [Fujian](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Fujian), [Jiangsu](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Jiangsu), and [Zhejiang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Zhejiang) provinces.\n\nA third legend, also from Zhejiang province, recounts the tragic story of a 14-year-old girl named Cao E whose father had been missing for several days after going fishing. Beside herself in sorrow, she went to the Shunjiang River to search for him. Accounts differ on whether she intended to kill herself in the water or jumped in thinking she could save her father. It is said that her dead body was found holding her father’s dead body a few days later. This legend, which places Cao E’s death at 143 ce, varies regarding whether it was the fifth day of the fifth month that her father went to the river to fish or the fifth day of the fifth month that she jumped into the river to retrieve his body. Unlike the previous legends that feature men’s self-sacrifice to country, Cao E’s story emphasizes the [Confucian](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Confucianism) ideal of [filial piety](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/xiao-Confucianism)—that is, devotion to one’s family.\n\nAnother hero [commemorated](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/commemorated) on this holiday in some corners and in more recent times is the feminist poet Qiu Jin (1875–1907). She rejected gender norms in traditional Chinese society that kept women in the home and deprived them of education. She was also a revolutionary opposed to the [Qing](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Qing-dynasty) empire. Beheaded in 1907 by the Qing government, which accused her of conspiring to overthrow it, she became a [martyr](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/martyr) and is sometimes called China’s “[Joan of Arc](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Saint-Joan-of-Arc).” She is honored on Poet’s Day, along with Qu Yuan and the others.\n\nTrusted knowledge for those who want to know more.\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=shorter-2026)\n\n![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-left.webp)\n\n![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-right.webp)\n\n![Mobile](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-mobile.webp?w=400)\n\n## Of dragons, dumplings, and dangerous things\nThe [dragons](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/dragon-mythological-creature) featured in this festival are among the most important creatures in Chinese mythology. They symbolize power, strength, and luck and are believed to control the seasons, harvests, rain, water, typhoons, and floods. Thus, a key part of the festival involves worshipping the dragon god. Additionally, the legend of people searching for Qu Yuan in their boats ties in with the practice of dragon boat racing.\n\nThe traditional sport of dragon boat racing [combines](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/combines) a festive atmosphere with the exciting tensions of a competitive match. Dragon boats are narrow and long, ranging in length from about 40 feet (12 meters) to more than 100 feet (35 meters), and are decorated with the head and tail of a dragon. They are guided by a designated steerer at the stern and powered by two rows of paddlers (crews can have from 20 to about 80 members), who paddle in unison to the beat of a drummer usually seated at the bow. In historical times crews would consist of teams from different clans or guilds who competed in bitter rivalries. Dragon boat racing has become increasingly popular, and in the 2020 Tokyo [Olympic Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Olympic-Games) (held in 2021 because of the [COVID-19 pandemic](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/What-was-the-impact-of-COVID-19)) it was included as a demonstration sport, with many professional dragon boaters hoping that it might eventually become a medal sport.\n\n[Yummy *zongzi*](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/64\/258064-050-263BE037\/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg)*Zongzi* dumplings, wrapped in leaves and tied up, ready for the Dragon Boat Festival.\n\nLike many festivals around the world, the Dragon Boat Festival conspicuously features special foods, most notably *zongzi* dumplings. The *zongzi* dumplings are associated with the Qu Yuan legend. *Zongzi* are made with glutinous rice and stuffed with a variety of sweet or [savory](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/savory) fillings, including dates, egg yolks, and meat. The pyramid-shaped dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves, tied with a string, and steamed or boiled. Other popular foods include eggs steamed with tea, thin pancakes, eel, and glutinous rice cakes. Celebrants might also drink realgar wine—wine made from fermented grains and sprinkled with [realgar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/realgar) minerals—which is said to fight off diseases, snakes, and wicked spirits.\n\nAlso called:\n\nDouble Fifth Festival or Poet’s Day\n\nMandarin:\n\nDuanwu Jie\n\nCantonese:\n\nTuen Ng\n\nMany of the festival’s rituals are rooted in intentions to free people of misfortunes associated with the fifth month, and various rituals and talismans are employed out of a belief that they might provide protection. It is thought in Chinese [culture](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/culture) that this time period is associated with a surge in [contagious](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/contagious) diseases and plagues and increased activity of the five poisonous creatures ([snakes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/snake), [scorpions](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/scorpion), [centipedes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/centipede), [lizards](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/lizard), and [toads](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/toad); sometimes [spiders](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/animal\/spider-arachnid) appear in place of one of those). A tableau illustration of these five creatures can be seen frequently throughout China. In order to ward off evil influences, celebrants bathe in flower-scented water and wear perfume pouches. Additional practices involve employing the five colors—blue, red, yellow, black, and white—that represent the five elements and five natural forces. In combination, they are said to be protective, and threads of them might be worn on the body or tied around wrists and ankles. Hanging items over doorways and on windows is another tradition of the festival. People hang plants such as calamus, mugwort, and [wormwood](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/plant\/wormwood-plant) to [avoid](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/avoid) bad luck and fend off disease. Finally, one might also see on this holiday portraits of Zhong Kui, a mythical figure who the Tang emperor [Xuanzong](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Xuanzong) dreamed about before recovering from a monthlong illness. According to this legend, Zhong Kui was a scholar who tragically killed himself over a slight but returned in the afterlife to defeat demons and ghosts with his sword, offering further protection on this holiday for people fearful of dangerous spirits and creatures.","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

1 day ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival
Last Crawled	2026-04-08 04:10:11 (1 day ago)
First Indexed	2024-06-07 10:59:13 (1 year ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Dragon Boat Festival \| Traditions, Legends, & Races \| Britannica
Meta Description	The Dragon Boat Festival is a Chinese holiday that dates back at least 1,500 years. Known as Duanwu Jie in Mandarin and Tuen Ng in Cantonese, it is also called the Double Fifth Festival, because it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The festival commemorates local legendary heroes and features activities involving dragons, spirits, food, and folk entertainment. It is best known for its dragon boat races.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Top Questions What is the Dragon Boat Festival? When is the Dragon Boat Festival celebrated? What are the main traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival? Why are dragon boat races important during this festival? Who is Qu Yuan, and how is he connected to the Dragon Boat Festival? What foods are commonly eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, and why? Dragon Boat Festival , prominent and festive Chinese holiday that originated at least 1,500 years ago and features dragon boat races and rice dumplings. It is one of the three “festivals of the living,” along with the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival . Known as Duanwu Jie in Mandarin and Tuen Ng in Cantonese , it is also called the Double Fifth Festival, because it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar , which falls in May or June on the Gregorian calendar . Legends associated with the festival and its observance center on memorials for local heroes. The celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival includes various activities involving dragons, otherworldly spirits, plenty of food, and folk entertainment. The holiday is also associated with rituals to ward off evil spirits and disease, which are thought to threaten during the fifth month. History of the Dragon Boat Festival The origins of the festival, according to scholars, likely predate the legends told about it. The holiday is probably associated with ancient fertility rites to ensure a good rice harvest . The association with dragons might have developed from the role dragons were thought to play in rainfall and the importance of rivers in rice cultivation. The festival might have originated in southern China where the dragon god has been worshipped and regarded as a sacred emblem and ancestor. The holiday occurs about the time of the summer solstice , and, according to the philosophy of yinyang , that time marks a shift from the yang period of growth to the yin period of decay. Early celebrations of the festival are thought to have been attempts to balance those energies. Over centuries the ancient agricultural rites merged with legends of self-sacrifice and apotropaic rituals—rituals to turn away evil forces—to form the festival as it is practiced today. The festival is now also celebrated in several neighboring countries in East Asia and throughout the Chinese diaspora . It was suppressed in China during the communist government’s Cultural Revolution (1966–76), but later government efforts to support Chinese culture have revived the ancient festival. It was declared an official holiday in China in 2008 and is celebrated over three days. In 2009 the Dragon Boat Festival became the first Chinese holiday to be added to UNESCO ’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In some modern instances, dragon boat racing has drifted from its religious and cultural moorings to become a popular rowing sport. Various legends with different memorialized heroes, most of whom took their own lives in rivers, are recounted in different parts of China to explain this festival’s origins. The most popular legend , which establishes the origin of both the festival’s boats and dumplings, links the festival to the death of patriotic poet Qu Yuan (c. 339–278 bce ). He lived during the Warring States period and was a trusted counselor to the king of Chu , but he was later accused of treason and exiled. In despair over his banishment, Qu Yuan wandered southern Chu, writing poetry and observing the shamanistic folk rites and legends that greatly influenced his works. When he heard that Chu’s capital had been conquered, he was so distraught that he drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth month. In honor of this great poet, the holiday is sometimes called Poet’s Day. In some quarters of the tradition it is said that for years after his death devotees threw food into the river as offerings to the great Qu Yuan’s spirit, but a water dragon got to it first, so Qu Yuan came back from the dead to suggest they wrap the food in leaves, thereby creating the festival’s signature sticky rice dumplings ( zongzi ). In other quarters it is said that people searched for his body in their boats in an attempt to save him, and, unable to locate him, they tossed zongzi into the river to distract fish from eating his body. Evidence of dragon boat racing in honor of Qu Yuan can be dated to the 5th or 6th century ce . The Hubei and Hunan provinces in particular celebrate the memory of Qu Yuan at the annual Dragon Boat Festival. Another legend extends the festival’s origins earlier to the Spring and Autumn period and the death of statesman Wu Zixu in 484 bce . His father and brother were killed by the king of Chu, which led him to seek refuge in the Wu kingdom, where he was eventually betrayed and forced to kill himself. His body was tossed in the Qiantang River on the fifth day of the fifth month. His fury is said to have created such raging tides that people in some parts of China worship him as a river god. This legend is told in Fujian , Jiangsu , and Zhejiang provinces. A third legend, also from Zhejiang province, recounts the tragic story of a 14-year-old girl named Cao E whose father had been missing for several days after going fishing. Beside herself in sorrow, she went to the Shunjiang River to search for him. Accounts differ on whether she intended to kill herself in the water or jumped in thinking she could save her father. It is said that her dead body was found holding her father’s dead body a few days later. This legend, which places Cao E’s death at 143 ce , varies regarding whether it was the fifth day of the fifth month that her father went to the river to fish or the fifth day of the fifth month that she jumped into the river to retrieve his body. Unlike the previous legends that feature men’s self-sacrifice to country, Cao E’s story emphasizes the Confucian ideal of filial piety —that is, devotion to one’s family. Another hero commemorated on this holiday in some corners and in more recent times is the feminist poet Qiu Jin (1875–1907). She rejected gender norms in traditional Chinese society that kept women in the home and deprived them of education. She was also a revolutionary opposed to the Qing empire. Beheaded in 1907 by the Qing government, which accused her of conspiring to overthrow it, she became a martyr and is sometimes called China’s “ Joan of Arc .” She is honored on Poet’s Day, along with Qu Yuan and the others. Trusted knowledge for those who want to know more. SUBSCRIBE Of dragons, dumplings, and dangerous things The dragons featured in this festival are among the most important creatures in Chinese mythology. They symbolize power, strength, and luck and are believed to control the seasons, harvests, rain, water, typhoons, and floods. Thus, a key part of the festival involves worshipping the dragon god. Additionally, the legend of people searching for Qu Yuan in their boats ties in with the practice of dragon boat racing. The traditional sport of dragon boat racing combines a festive atmosphere with the exciting tensions of a competitive match. Dragon boats are narrow and long, ranging in length from about 40 feet (12 meters) to more than 100 feet (35 meters), and are decorated with the head and tail of a dragon. They are guided by a designated steerer at the stern and powered by two rows of paddlers (crews can have from 20 to about 80 members), who paddle in unison to the beat of a drummer usually seated at the bow. In historical times crews would consist of teams from different clans or guilds who competed in bitter rivalries. Dragon boat racing has become increasingly popular, and in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games (held in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic ) it was included as a demonstration sport, with many professional dragon boaters hoping that it might eventually become a medal sport. Yummy zongzi Zongzi dumplings, wrapped in leaves and tied up, ready for the Dragon Boat Festival. Like many festivals around the world, the Dragon Boat Festival conspicuously features special foods, most notably zongzi dumplings. The zongzi dumplings are associated with the Qu Yuan legend. Zongzi are made with glutinous rice and stuffed with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, including dates, egg yolks, and meat. The pyramid-shaped dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves, tied with a string, and steamed or boiled. Other popular foods include eggs steamed with tea, thin pancakes, eel, and glutinous rice cakes. Celebrants might also drink realgar wine—wine made from fermented grains and sprinkled with realgar minerals—which is said to fight off diseases, snakes, and wicked spirits. Also called: Double Fifth Festival or Poet’s Day Mandarin: Duanwu Jie Cantonese: Tuen Ng Many of the festival’s rituals are rooted in intentions to free people of misfortunes associated with the fifth month, and various rituals and talismans are employed out of a belief that they might provide protection. It is thought in Chinese culture that this time period is associated with a surge in contagious diseases and plagues and increased activity of the five poisonous creatures ( snakes , scorpions , centipedes , lizards , and toads ; sometimes spiders appear in place of one of those). A tableau illustration of these five creatures can be seen frequently throughout China. In order to ward off evil influences, celebrants bathe in flower-scented water and wear perfume pouches. Additional practices involve employing the five colors—blue, red, yellow, black, and white—that represent the five elements and five natural forces. In combination, they are said to be protective, and threads of them might be worn on the body or tied around wrists and ankles. Hanging items over doorways and on windows is another tradition of the festival. People hang plants such as calamus, mugwort, and wormwood to avoid bad luck and fend off disease. Finally, one might also see on this holiday portraits of Zhong Kui, a mythical figure who the Tang emperor Xuanzong dreamed about before recovering from a monthlong illness. According to this legend, Zhong Kui was a scholar who tragically killed himself over a slight but returned in the afterlife to defeat demons and ghosts with his sword, offering further protection on this holiday for people fearful of dangerous spirits and creatures.
Markdown	[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav-mobile&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) Login https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm\_source=premium\&utm\_medium=nav-login-box\&utm\_campaign=evergreen [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=hamburger-menu&utm_campaign=blue) [Ask the Chatbot](https://www.britannica.com/chatbot) [Games & Quizzes](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/browse) [History & Society](https://www.britannica.com/History-Society) [Science & Tech](https://www.britannica.com/Science-Tech) [Biographies](https://www.britannica.com/Biographies) [Animals & Nature](https://www.britannica.com/Animals-Nature) [Geography & Travel](https://www.britannica.com/Geography-Travel) [Arts & Culture](https://www.britannica.com/Arts-Culture) [ProCon](https://www.britannica.com/procon) [Money](https://www.britannica.com/money) [Videos](https://www.britannica.com/videos) [Dragon Boat Festival](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival) - [Introduction](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival) - [History of the Dragon Boat Festival](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival#ref378945) - [Legends of the Dragon Boat Festival](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival#ref378946) - [Of dragons, dumplings, and dangerous things](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival#ref378947) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival/additional-info) [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Dragon-Boat-Festival) [Images & Videos](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival/images-videos) [![Dragon boat racing during the Dragon Boat Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/60/258360-004-F2BF93EB/dragon-boat-race-in-chongqing-municipality-june-2023.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/60/258360-050-9302DAD6/dragon-boat-race-in-chongqing-municipality-june-2023.jpg) [![Three dragon boats with paddlers in a race on a lake, with a grassy shoreline in the background. Red and yellow buoys mark the course.](https://cdn.britannica.com/84/265784-004-51926686/dragon-boat-race-featuring-dragon-diva-lake-arlington-illinois-2015.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/84/265784-050-4AF3F416/dragon-boat-race-featuring-dragon-diva-lake-arlington-illinois-2015.jpg) [![Qu Yuan, the poet whose tragic death is commemorated in the Dragon Boat Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/37/258537-004-C83B579C/Qu-Yuan-Ancient-Chinese-Poet.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/37/258537-050-8D7D2B77/Qu-Yuan-Ancient-Chinese-Poet.jpg) [![Here there be dragons\!](https://cdn.britannica.com/20/249020-004-DD3991C9/Chinese-dragon-sculpture-or-statue.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/20/249020-050-931D85D6/Chinese-dragon-sculpture-or-statue.jpg) [![Yummy zongzi](https://cdn.britannica.com/64/258064-004-D32C97ED/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/64/258064-050-263BE037/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg) [![Inside the annual Dragon Boat Festival in Schwerin, Germany](https://cdn.britannica.com/15/179715-138-A7BBC36C/Overview-dragon-boat-race-Germany-Schwerin.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/Overview-dragon-boat-race-Germany-Schwerin/-194913) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-178/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5) Ask Anything Quick Summary [Lifestyles & Social Issues](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Lifestyles-Social-Issues) [Festivals & Holidays](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Festivals-Holidays) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [![Dragon boat racing during the Dragon Boat Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/60/258360-050-9302DAD6/dragon-boat-race-in-chongqing-municipality-june-2023.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https://cdn.britannica.com/60/258360-050-9302DAD6/dragon-boat-race-in-chongqing-municipality-june-2023.jpg) [Dragon boat racing during the Dragon Boat Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/60/258360-050-9302DAD6/dragon-boat-race-in-chongqing-municipality-june-2023.jpg) Participants competing in a dragon boat race in southwest China's Chongqing municipality, June 22, 2023. (more) # Dragon Boat Festival Chinese holiday Homework Help Also known as: Double Fifth Festival, Duanwu Jie, Poet’s Day, Tuen Ng[(Show More)](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival) Written by [Laura Payne Laura Payne is a freelance writer whose work covers many topics. She is a former Wayne State University linguistics instructor.](https://www.britannica.com/contributor/laura-payne/12949035) Laura Payne[All](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival/additional-info#contributors) Fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors [History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-178/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5) Britannica AI Ask Anything Quick Summary Table of Contents Table of Contents Quick Summary Ask Anything Top Questions - What is the Dragon Boat Festival? - When is the Dragon Boat Festival celebrated? - What are the main traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival? - Why are dragon boat races important during this festival? - Who is Qu Yuan, and how is he connected to the Dragon Boat Festival? - What foods are commonly eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, and why? Show more Show less [![Three dragon boats with paddlers in a race on a lake, with a grassy shoreline in the background. Red and yellow buoys mark the course.](https://cdn.britannica.com/84/265784-050-4AF3F416/dragon-boat-race-featuring-dragon-diva-lake-arlington-illinois-2015.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/84/265784-050-4AF3F416/dragon-boat-race-featuring-dragon-diva-lake-arlington-illinois-2015.jpg) [A dragon boat race in Lake Arlington, IL](https://cdn.britannica.com/84/265784-050-4AF3F416/dragon-boat-race-featuring-dragon-diva-lake-arlington-illinois-2015.jpg)The Dragon Divas of Minnesota racing in the 2015 Chicago International Dragon Boat race. (more) Dragon Boat Festival, prominent and festive [Chinese](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) [holiday](https://www.britannica.com/topic/holiday) that originated at least 1,500 years ago and features [dragon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dragon-mythological-creature) boat races and rice dumplings. It is one of the three “festivals of the living,” along with the [Chinese New Year](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year) and the [Mid-Autumn Festival](https://www.britannica.com/story/shine-on-harvest-moon-festival). Known as Duanwu Jie in [Mandarin](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mandarin-language) and Tuen Ng in [Cantonese](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cantonese-language), it is also called the Double Fifth Festival, because it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the [Chinese calendar](https://www.britannica.com/science/Chinese-calendar), which falls in May or June on the [Gregorian calendar](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar). [Legends](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Legends) associated with the festival and its observance center on memorials for local heroes. The celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival includes various activities involving dragons, otherworldly spirits, plenty of food, and folk entertainment. The holiday is also associated with rituals to ward off evil spirits and disease, which are thought to threaten during the fifth month. ## History of the Dragon Boat Festival The origins of the festival, according to scholars, likely predate the legends told about it. The holiday is probably associated with ancient fertility rites to ensure a good rice [harvest](https://www.britannica.com/topic/harvest). The association with dragons might have developed from the role dragons were thought to play in rainfall and the importance of rivers in [rice](https://www.britannica.com/plant/rice) cultivation. The festival might have originated in southern [China](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) where the dragon god has been [worshipped](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/worshipped) and regarded as a sacred emblem and ancestor. The holiday occurs about the time of the [summer solstice](https://www.britannica.com/science/summer-solstice-astronomy), and, according to the philosophy of [yinyang](https://www.britannica.com/topic/yinyang), that time marks a shift from the yang period of growth to the yin period of decay. Early celebrations of the festival are thought to have been attempts to balance those energies. Over centuries the ancient agricultural rites merged with legends of self-sacrifice and apotropaic rituals—rituals to turn away evil forces—to form the festival as it is practiced today. The festival is now also celebrated in several neighboring countries in [East Asia](https://www.britannica.com/place/East-Asia) and throughout the Chinese [diaspora](https://www.britannica.com/topic/diaspora-social-science). It was suppressed in China during the communist government’s [Cultural Revolution](https://www.britannica.com/event/Cultural-Revolution) (1966–76), but later government efforts to support Chinese [culture](https://www.britannica.com/topic/culture) have revived the ancient festival. It was declared an official holiday in China in 2008 and is celebrated over three days. In 2009 the Dragon Boat Festival became the first Chinese holiday to be added to [UNESCO](https://www.britannica.com/topic/UNESCO)’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In some modern instances, dragon boat racing has drifted from its religious and cultural moorings to become a popular [rowing](https://www.britannica.com/topic/rowing-boat-propulsion-and-sport) sport. ## Legends of the Dragon Boat Festival [![Qu Yuan, the poet whose tragic death is commemorated in the Dragon Boat Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/37/258537-050-8D7D2B77/Qu-Yuan-Ancient-Chinese-Poet.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/37/258537-050-8D7D2B77/Qu-Yuan-Ancient-Chinese-Poet.jpg) [Qu Yuan, the poet whose tragic death is commemorated in the Dragon Boat Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/37/258537-050-8D7D2B77/Qu-Yuan-Ancient-Chinese-Poet.jpg)Portrait of Qu Yuan on a hand-scroll portrait by Chen Hongshou, early 17th century. (more) Various legends with different memorialized heroes, most of whom took their own lives in rivers, are recounted in different parts of China to explain this festival’s origins. The most popular [legend](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legend), which establishes the origin of both the festival’s boats and dumplings, links the festival to the death of patriotic poet [Qu Yuan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Qu-Yuan) (c. 339–278 bce). He lived during the [Warring States](https://www.britannica.com/event/Warring-States) period and was a trusted [counselor](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counselor) to the king of [Chu](https://www.britannica.com/place/Chu-ancient-state-China-770-223-BCE), but he was later accused of treason and exiled. In despair over his banishment, Qu Yuan wandered southern Chu, writing poetry and observing the [shamanistic](https://www.britannica.com/topic/shamanism) folk rites and legends that greatly influenced his works. When he heard that Chu’s capital had been conquered, he was so [distraught](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distraught) that he drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth month. In honor of this great poet, the holiday is sometimes called Poet’s Day. In some quarters of the tradition it is said that for years after his death devotees threw food into the river as offerings to the great Qu Yuan’s spirit, but a [water dragon](https://www.britannica.com/plant/lizards-tail) got to it first, so Qu Yuan came back from the dead to suggest they wrap the food in leaves, thereby creating the festival’s signature sticky rice [dumplings](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dumpling) (zongzi). In other quarters it is said that people searched for his body in their boats in an attempt to save him, and, unable to locate him, they tossed zongzi into the river to distract fish from eating his body. Evidence of dragon boat racing in honor of Qu Yuan can be dated to the 5th or 6th century ce. The [Hubei](https://www.britannica.com/place/Hubei) and [Hunan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Hunan) provinces in particular celebrate the memory of Qu Yuan at the annual Dragon Boat Festival. Another legend extends the festival’s origins earlier to the [Spring and Autumn period](https://www.britannica.com/event/Spring-and-Autumn-Period) and the death of statesman Wu Zixu in 484 bce. His father and brother were killed by the king of Chu, which led him to seek refuge in the Wu kingdom, where he was eventually betrayed and forced to kill himself. His body was tossed in the [Qiantang River](https://www.britannica.com/place/Fuchun-River) on the fifth day of the fifth month. His fury is said to have created such raging tides that people in some parts of China [worship](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/worship) him as a river god. This legend is told in [Fujian](https://www.britannica.com/place/Fujian), [Jiangsu](https://www.britannica.com/place/Jiangsu), and [Zhejiang](https://www.britannica.com/place/Zhejiang) provinces. A third legend, also from Zhejiang province, recounts the tragic story of a 14-year-old girl named Cao E whose father had been missing for several days after going fishing. Beside herself in sorrow, she went to the Shunjiang River to search for him. Accounts differ on whether she intended to kill herself in the water or jumped in thinking she could save her father. It is said that her dead body was found holding her father’s dead body a few days later. This legend, which places Cao E’s death at 143 ce, varies regarding whether it was the fifth day of the fifth month that her father went to the river to fish or the fifth day of the fifth month that she jumped into the river to retrieve his body. Unlike the previous legends that feature men’s self-sacrifice to country, Cao E’s story emphasizes the [Confucian](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Confucianism) ideal of [filial piety](https://www.britannica.com/topic/xiao-Confucianism)—that is, devotion to one’s family. Another hero [commemorated](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commemorated) on this holiday in some corners and in more recent times is the feminist poet Qiu Jin (1875–1907). She rejected gender norms in traditional Chinese society that kept women in the home and deprived them of education. She was also a revolutionary opposed to the [Qing](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Qing-dynasty) empire. Beheaded in 1907 by the Qing government, which accused her of conspiring to overthrow it, she became a [martyr](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martyr) and is sometimes called China’s “[Joan of Arc](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Joan-of-Arc).” She is honored on Poet’s Day, along with Qu Yuan and the others. Explore Britannica Premium\! Trusted knowledge for those who want to know more. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=shorter-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) ## Of dragons, dumplings, and dangerous things [![Here there be dragons\!](https://cdn.britannica.com/20/249020-050-931D85D6/Chinese-dragon-sculpture-or-statue.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/20/249020-050-931D85D6/Chinese-dragon-sculpture-or-statue.jpg) [Here there be dragons\!](https://cdn.britannica.com/20/249020-050-931D85D6/Chinese-dragon-sculpture-or-statue.jpg)A sculpture of a Chinese dragon. (more) The [dragons](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dragon-mythological-creature) featured in this festival are among the most important creatures in Chinese mythology. They symbolize power, strength, and luck and are believed to control the seasons, harvests, rain, water, typhoons, and floods. Thus, a key part of the festival involves worshipping the dragon god. Additionally, the legend of people searching for Qu Yuan in their boats ties in with the practice of dragon boat racing. The traditional sport of dragon boat racing [combines](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/combines) a festive atmosphere with the exciting tensions of a competitive match. Dragon boats are narrow and long, ranging in length from about 40 feet (12 meters) to more than 100 feet (35 meters), and are decorated with the head and tail of a dragon. They are guided by a designated steerer at the stern and powered by two rows of paddlers (crews can have from 20 to about 80 members), who paddle in unison to the beat of a drummer usually seated at the bow. In historical times crews would consist of teams from different clans or guilds who competed in bitter rivalries. Dragon boat racing has become increasingly popular, and in the 2020 Tokyo [Olympic Games](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Olympic-Games) (held in 2021 because of the [COVID-19 pandemic](https://www.britannica.com/topic/What-was-the-impact-of-COVID-19)) it was included as a demonstration sport, with many professional dragon boaters hoping that it might eventually become a medal sport. [![Yummy zongzi](https://cdn.britannica.com/64/258064-050-263BE037/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/64/258064-050-263BE037/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg) [Yummy zongzi](https://cdn.britannica.com/64/258064-050-263BE037/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg)Zongzi dumplings, wrapped in leaves and tied up, ready for the Dragon Boat Festival. (more) Like many festivals around the world, the Dragon Boat Festival conspicuously features special foods, most notably zongzi dumplings. The zongzi dumplings are associated with the Qu Yuan legend. Zongzi are made with glutinous rice and stuffed with a variety of sweet or [savory](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/savory) fillings, including dates, egg yolks, and meat. The pyramid-shaped dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves, tied with a string, and steamed or boiled. Other popular foods include eggs steamed with tea, thin pancakes, eel, and glutinous rice cakes. Celebrants might also drink realgar wine—wine made from fermented grains and sprinkled with [realgar](https://www.britannica.com/science/realgar) minerals—which is said to fight off diseases, snakes, and wicked spirits. Also called: Double Fifth Festival or Poet’s Day (Show more) Mandarin: Duanwu Jie (Show more) Cantonese: Tuen Ng (Show more) Related Topics: [China](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) [dragon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dragon-mythological-creature) [holiday](https://www.britannica.com/topic/holiday) (Show more) [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Dragon-Boat-Festival) Many of the festival’s rituals are rooted in intentions to free people of misfortunes associated with the fifth month, and various rituals and talismans are employed out of a belief that they might provide protection. It is thought in Chinese [culture](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture) that this time period is associated with a surge in [contagious](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contagious) diseases and plagues and increased activity of the five poisonous creatures ([snakes](https://www.britannica.com/animal/snake), [scorpions](https://www.britannica.com/animal/scorpion), [centipedes](https://www.britannica.com/animal/centipede), [lizards](https://www.britannica.com/animal/lizard), and [toads](https://www.britannica.com/animal/toad); sometimes [spiders](https://www.britannica.com/animal/spider-arachnid) appear in place of one of those). A tableau illustration of these five creatures can be seen frequently throughout China. In order to ward off evil influences, celebrants bathe in flower-scented water and wear perfume pouches. Additional practices involve employing the five colors—blue, red, yellow, black, and white—that represent the five elements and five natural forces. In combination, they are said to be protective, and threads of them might be worn on the body or tied around wrists and ankles. Hanging items over doorways and on windows is another tradition of the festival. People hang plants such as calamus, mugwort, and [wormwood](https://www.britannica.com/plant/wormwood-plant) to [avoid](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/avoid) bad luck and fend off disease. Finally, one might also see on this holiday portraits of Zhong Kui, a mythical figure who the Tang emperor [Xuanzong](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Xuanzong) dreamed about before recovering from a monthlong illness. According to this legend, Zhong Kui was a scholar who tragically killed himself over a slight but returned in the afterlife to defeat demons and ghosts with his sword, offering further protection on this holiday for people fearful of dangerous spirits and creatures. [Laura Payne](https://www.britannica.com/contributor/laura-payne/12949035) [Charles Preston](https://www.britannica.com/editor/charles-preston/13008388) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-178/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5)Britannica AI chevron\_right Dragon Boat Festival close [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. [Chinese New Year](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year) - [Introduction & Top Questions](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year) - [History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year#ref470248) - [Traditions and celebration](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year#ref470249) - [Food traditions](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year#ref470250) - [The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year#ref470251) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year/additional-info) [Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Chinese-New-Year) [Images & Videos](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year/images-videos) [![Chinese New Year](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/195645-004-3B211EA7/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/195645-050-C2BA680A/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg) [![An illustration of a large purple monster against a dark landscape.](https://cdn.britannica.com/81/238181-138-086E4858/Lunar-New-Year.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/Lunar-New-Year/-274942) [![Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/29/158229-004-27749378/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/29/158229-050-F6244412/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg) [![The animals of the Chinese zodiac illustrated against an orange background.](https://cdn.britannica.com/55/238255-138-294D501B/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac/-275459) [![Chinese zodiac chart](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/267080-004-D867F6AA/chinese-zodiac.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/267080-050-D2A05320/chinese-zodiac.jpg) [![Lunar New Year](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/146912-004-7FA19ED4/Red-lanterns-trees-Lunar-New-Year-Beijing.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/146912-050-7808C7C2/Red-lanterns-trees-Lunar-New-Year-Beijing.jpg) [![Traditions of the Chinese New Year](https://cdn.britannica.com/48/179948-138-8EE57BD5/Overview-Chinese-New-Year.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/Overview-Chinese-New-Year/-193482) Related Questions - [What are three don’ts on Chinese New Year’s Day?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-are-three-donts-on-Chinese-New-Years-Day) - [What are New Year festivals?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-are-New-Year-festivals) - [Why does the new year begin on January 1?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Why-does-the-new-year-begin-on-January-1) - [How is New Year’s Eve celebrated?](https://www.britannica.com/question/How-is-New-Years-Eve-celebrated) - [Why does a ball drop on New Year’s Eve?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Why-does-a-ball-drop-on-New-Years-Eve) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-178/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5) Contents Ask Anything [Lifestyles & Social Issues](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Lifestyles-Social-Issues) [Festivals & Holidays](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Festivals-Holidays) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [![Chinese New Year](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/195645-050-C2BA680A/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/195645-050-C2BA680A/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg) [Chinese New Year](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/195645-050-C2BA680A/parade-Chinese-New-Year-Los-Angeles.jpg) Dragon performers in the Chinese New Year parade in Los Angeles. (more) # Chinese New Year Homework Help Written by [Tamanna Nangia Tamanna Nangia is Associate Editor, Encyclopaedia Britannica. She has over five years of experience in editorial processes, handling many different aspects of the publishing process: content development,...](https://www.britannica.com/editor/tamanna-nangia/13068200) Tamanna Nangia Fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 11, 2026 •[History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-178/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5) Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything Top Questions ### What is the Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is a 15-day festival celebrated in [China](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) and by Chinese communities worldwide that begins with the new [moon](https://www.britannica.com/science/moon-natural-satellite) between January 21 and February 20; festivities last until the following full moon. ### What animal is the Chinese New Year in 2026? In 2026 the Chinese New Year marks the Year of the Horse, according to the [Chinese zodiac](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-zodiac) calendar. ### What are three don’ts on Chinese New Year’s Day? On the first day of the New Year, sweeping or cleaning is avoided as it is believed to brush away good fortune. During the 15 days of celebration, breaking objects is considered a bad omen, as it is thought to bring bad luck, and gifting or buying new books is discouraged because the word for “book” sounds like “lose” in [Chinese](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-languages). ### How long is Chinese New Year celebrated? The Chinese New Year is celebrated over a period of 15 days. ### What foods are traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year? Traditional foods include [carp](https://www.britannica.com/animal/carp-fish-species) for long life, whole [fish](https://www.britannica.com/animal/fish) for abundance, [dumplings](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dumpling) and spring rolls for wealth, long [noodles](https://www.britannica.com/topic/noodle) for longevity, sticky rice cakes for success, and [citrus](https://www.britannica.com/plant/Citrus) fruits for good luck. ## News • [Bok Kai Festival, one of California's oldest Chinese New Year traditions, returns to Marysville](https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/video/bok-kai-festival-one-of-californias-oldest-chinese-new-year-traditions-returns-to-marysville/) • Mar. 22, 2026, 2:11 AM ET (CBS) ...(Show more) [Muslims in Bali hold Idul Fitri prayers after Nyepi or day of silence](https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/03/21/muslims-in-bali-hold-idul-fitri-prayers-after-nyepi-or-day-of-silence) • Mar. 21, 2026, 5:09 AM ET (The Star) [Hong Kong to test new campsite booking system amid overcrowding, litter concerns](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3347018/hong-kong-test-new-campsite-booking-system-amid-overcrowding-litter-concerns) • Mar. 18, 2026, 4:54 AM ET (South China Morning Post) [Chinese New Year boosts Hong Kong visitor numbers in first 2 months of 2026](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346858/did-chinese-new-year-help-boost-hong-kongs-visitor-figures-january-february) • Mar. 17, 2026, 2:52 AM ET (South China Morning Post) Show less Chinese New Year, annual 15-day [festival](https://www.britannica.com/topic/feast-religion) in [China](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) and Chinese [communities](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communities) around the world that begins with the new [moon](https://www.britannica.com/science/moon-natural-satellite) occurring sometime between [January](https://www.britannica.com/topic/January) 21 and [February](https://www.britannica.com/topic/February) 20, according to Western [calendars](https://www.britannica.com/science/calendar). Festivities last until the following [full moon](https://www.britannica.com/science/full-Moon-lunar-phase). [![An illustration of a large purple monster against a dark landscape.](https://cdn.britannica.com/81/238181-138-086E4858/Lunar-New-Year.jpg?w=800&h=450&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/Lunar-New-Year/-274942) The Legend of Lunar New YearThousands of years ago, a monster named Nian prowled the Chinese countryside... (more) [See all videos for this article](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year/images-videos) The [holiday](https://www.britannica.com/topic/holiday) is sometimes called the [Lunar New Year](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lunar-New-Year) because the dates of celebration follow the phases of the moon. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. ## History The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in [legend](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legend). One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so those things were used to chase the beast away. ## Traditions and celebration [![Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/29/158229-050-F6244412/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg?w=300)1 of 2](https://cdn.britannica.com/29/158229-050-F6244412/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg) [Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival](https://cdn.britannica.com/29/158229-050-F6244412/display-end-Lantern-Festival-Chinese-New-Year.jpg)Light display of a dragon at a Lantern Festival marking the end of the Chinese New Year. (more) [![The animals of the Chinese zodiac illustrated against an orange background.](https://cdn.britannica.com/55/238255-138-294D501B/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=800&h=450&c=crop)2 of 2](https://www.britannica.com/video/discover-myth-behind-Chinese-zodiac/-275459) Discover the Myth Behind the Chinese Zodiac2026: The Year of the Horse. (more) [See all videos for this article](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year/images-videos) One popular Chinese New Year tradition is the thorough cleaning of one’s home to rid the residence of any lingering bad luck. Some people prepare and enjoy special foods on certain days during the holiday. Celebrations to [usher](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/usher) out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one often include firecrackers, [fireworks](https://www.britannica.com/technology/firework), and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colorful red envelopes. The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the [Lantern Festival](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lantern-Festival), during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime [parade](https://www.britannica.com/art/parade). Since the [dragon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dragon-mythological-creature) is a Chinese symbol of good fortune, a dragon dance highlights festival celebrations in many areas. This [procession](https://www.britannica.com/topic/procession) involves a long, colorful dragon being carried through the streets by numerous dancers. In addition Chinese New Year is a time to feast and visit family. Along with the celebrations, Chinese New Year is associated with a few [superstitions](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/superstitions). Breaking objects is considered a bad omen and is thought to bring bad luck. Gifting or buying new books is discouraged because the word for “book” sounds like “lose” in Chinese. Arguments and anger are avoided to ensure harmony, and sweeping or cleaning on the first day is seen as inauspicious, as it is believed to brush away good fortune. ## Food traditions Families prepare food in advance since using sharp objects on New Year’s Day is considered unlucky. Particular dishes are chosen for the hopeful meanings suggested by their names, such as [carp](https://www.britannica.com/animal/carp-fish-species), which represents a long life. Many traditional dishes served during this festival reflect wishes for [prosperity](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/prosperity), health, and longevity. The celebrations begin on the eve of Chinese New Year, and a whole [fish](https://www.britannica.com/animal/fish) is almost always present on the table because the Chinese word for “fish” sounds like the word for “surplus,” suggesting abundance will flow throughout the year. [Dumplings](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dumpling) (jiaozi), with their crescent shapes resembling ancient [ingots](https://www.britannica.com/technology/ingot) of [gold](https://www.britannica.com/science/gold-chemical-element), are a must-have. Uncut long noodles are consumed to represent longevity, with the belief that eating them without breaking the strands will bring long life. Sticky rice cakes called nian gao are commonly consumed, because their name means “high year,” implying steady progress and success in whatever one pursues. [Crisp](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/Crisp), golden spring rolls mirror ancient gold bars, symbolizing wealth, and bright citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines are shared because their round shape and color evoke fullness, success, and good luck. Also called: Lunar New Year (Show more) Related Topics: [China](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) [Chinese zodiac](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-zodiac) [Lunar New Year](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lunar-New-Year) [January](https://www.britannica.com/topic/January) [February](https://www.britannica.com/topic/February) (Show more) [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Chinese-New-Year) ## The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac [![Chinese zodiac chart](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/267080-050-D2A05320/chinese-zodiac.jpg?w=1000)](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/267080-050-D2A05320/chinese-zodiac.jpg) [Chinese zodiac chart](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/267080-050-D2A05320/chinese-zodiac.jpg)Find your Chinese zodiac sign and element based on your birth year in this chart. (more) The Chinese [lunar calendar](https://www.britannica.com/science/lunar-calendar) operates on a 12-year [zodiac](https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac) cycle, with each year represented by an animal. Every animal in this zodiac system, which is called [Sheng Xiao](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-zodiac), is believed to have a personality that represents the year and the people born during that year. The Chinese zodiac year begins with Chinese New Year, thus changing the cycle to a new animal. In the Chinese tradition, a person’s birth year—rather than their birth month—is considered key to understanding character and fortune. For example, 2026 is recognized as the Year of the Horse. Explore Britannica Premium\! Go beyond the basics with trusted, in-depth knowledge for professionals, students, and lifelong learners. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=basics-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) \| animal \| traits \| year of the zodiac (2026–37) \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| [horse](https://www.britannica.com/animal/horse) \| represents motion, liveliness, freedom, and enthusiasm \| 2026 \| \| [sheep](https://www.britannica.com/animal/domesticated-sheep) \| symbolizes tranquility, peace, compassion, creativity, and emotional awareness \| 2027 \| \| [monkey](https://www.britannica.com/animal/monkey) \| stands for curiosity, mischief, flexibility, and clever problem-solving \| 2028 \| \| [rooster](https://www.britannica.com/animal/chicken) \| represents confidence, inflexibility, and attention to detail \| 2029 \| \| [dog](https://www.britannica.com/animal/dog) \| symbolizes loyalty, reliability, fairness, and protection \| 2030 \| \| [pig](https://www.britannica.com/animal/pig-mammal-group) \| represents honesty, self-indulgence, generosity, and abundance \| 2031 \| \| [rat](https://www.britannica.com/animal/rat) \| represents quick thinking, sharp intuition, and adaptability \| 2032 \| \| [ox](https://www.britannica.com/animal/ox-mammal-Bos-taurus) \| symbolizes fertility, patience, hard work, persistence, and dependability \| 2033 \| \| [tiger](https://www.britannica.com/animal/tiger) \| stands for independence, passion, and impulsiveness \| 2034 \| \| [rabbit](https://www.britannica.com/animal/rabbit) \| represents calm, healing, sensitivity, and sacrifice \| 2035 \| \| [dragon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dragon-mythological-creature) \| symbolizes luck, fortune, independence, intuition, and leadership \| 2036 \| \| [snake](https://www.britannica.com/animal/snake) \| signifies wisdom, intuition, careful observation, and inward reflection \| 2037 \| [Tamanna Nangia](https://www.britannica.com/editor/tamanna-nangia/13068200) [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-178/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.178.5)Britannica AI chevron\_right Chinese New Year close [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. Load Next Page Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. print Print Please select which sections you would like to print: verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Payne, Laura, Preston, Charles. "Dragon Boat Festival". Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival. Accessed 8 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival> External Websites - [National Library Board Singapore - Dragon Boat Festival](https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=4dcbe584-01f7-4391-a613-bbd1c91a2434) Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. print Print Please select which sections you would like to print: verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Nangia, Tamanna. "Chinese New Year". Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Feb. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year. Accessed 8 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year> External Websites - [Western Kentucky University - TopSCHOLAR - The Origin of Chinese New Year (PDF)](https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1114&context=dlps_fac_pub) - [CBS News - Where is the lunar new year celebrated and who celebrates it?](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lunar-new-year-chinese-new-year-snake-celebrate-2025/) - [United States Department of State - American English - Chinese New Year (PDF)](https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/chinesenewyear.pdf) - [Wake Forest University - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology - Chinese New Year](https://lammuseum.wfu.edu/education/teachers/chinese-new-year/) - [Columbia University - Asia for Educators - The Lunar New Year: Rituals and Legends](https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_general_lunar.htm) - [Live Science - Chinese New Year: Customs & Traditions](https://www.livescience.com/61773-chinese-new-year.html) - [Royal Museums Greenwich - How do people celebrate Chinese New Year?](https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/time/how-do-people-celebrate-chinese-new-year) Britannica Websites Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. - [Chinese New Year - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)](https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Chinese-New-Year/390118) - [Chinese New Year - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)](https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Chinese-New-Year/574653)
Readable Markdown	Top Questions - What is the Dragon Boat Festival? - When is the Dragon Boat Festival celebrated? - What are the main traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival? - Why are dragon boat races important during this festival? - Who is Qu Yuan, and how is he connected to the Dragon Boat Festival? - What foods are commonly eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, and why? Dragon Boat Festival, prominent and festive [Chinese](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) [holiday](https://www.britannica.com/topic/holiday) that originated at least 1,500 years ago and features [dragon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dragon-mythological-creature) boat races and rice dumplings. It is one of the three “festivals of the living,” along with the [Chinese New Year](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year) and the [Mid-Autumn Festival](https://www.britannica.com/story/shine-on-harvest-moon-festival). Known as Duanwu Jie in [Mandarin](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mandarin-language) and Tuen Ng in [Cantonese](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cantonese-language), it is also called the Double Fifth Festival, because it is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the [Chinese calendar](https://www.britannica.com/science/Chinese-calendar), which falls in May or June on the [Gregorian calendar](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar). [Legends](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Legends) associated with the festival and its observance center on memorials for local heroes. The celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival includes various activities involving dragons, otherworldly spirits, plenty of food, and folk entertainment. The holiday is also associated with rituals to ward off evil spirits and disease, which are thought to threaten during the fifth month. ## History of the Dragon Boat Festival The origins of the festival, according to scholars, likely predate the legends told about it. The holiday is probably associated with ancient fertility rites to ensure a good rice [harvest](https://www.britannica.com/topic/harvest). The association with dragons might have developed from the role dragons were thought to play in rainfall and the importance of rivers in [rice](https://www.britannica.com/plant/rice) cultivation. The festival might have originated in southern [China](https://www.britannica.com/place/China) where the dragon god has been [worshipped](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/worshipped) and regarded as a sacred emblem and ancestor. The holiday occurs about the time of the [summer solstice](https://www.britannica.com/science/summer-solstice-astronomy), and, according to the philosophy of [yinyang](https://www.britannica.com/topic/yinyang), that time marks a shift from the yang period of growth to the yin period of decay. Early celebrations of the festival are thought to have been attempts to balance those energies. Over centuries the ancient agricultural rites merged with legends of self-sacrifice and apotropaic rituals—rituals to turn away evil forces—to form the festival as it is practiced today. The festival is now also celebrated in several neighboring countries in [East Asia](https://www.britannica.com/place/East-Asia) and throughout the Chinese [diaspora](https://www.britannica.com/topic/diaspora-social-science). It was suppressed in China during the communist government’s [Cultural Revolution](https://www.britannica.com/event/Cultural-Revolution) (1966–76), but later government efforts to support Chinese [culture](https://www.britannica.com/topic/culture) have revived the ancient festival. It was declared an official holiday in China in 2008 and is celebrated over three days. In 2009 the Dragon Boat Festival became the first Chinese holiday to be added to [UNESCO](https://www.britannica.com/topic/UNESCO)’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In some modern instances, dragon boat racing has drifted from its religious and cultural moorings to become a popular [rowing](https://www.britannica.com/topic/rowing-boat-propulsion-and-sport) sport. Various legends with different memorialized heroes, most of whom took their own lives in rivers, are recounted in different parts of China to explain this festival’s origins. The most popular [legend](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legend), which establishes the origin of both the festival’s boats and dumplings, links the festival to the death of patriotic poet [Qu Yuan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Qu-Yuan) (c. 339–278 bce). He lived during the [Warring States](https://www.britannica.com/event/Warring-States) period and was a trusted [counselor](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counselor) to the king of [Chu](https://www.britannica.com/place/Chu-ancient-state-China-770-223-BCE), but he was later accused of treason and exiled. In despair over his banishment, Qu Yuan wandered southern Chu, writing poetry and observing the [shamanistic](https://www.britannica.com/topic/shamanism) folk rites and legends that greatly influenced his works. When he heard that Chu’s capital had been conquered, he was so [distraught](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distraught) that he drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth month. In honor of this great poet, the holiday is sometimes called Poet’s Day. In some quarters of the tradition it is said that for years after his death devotees threw food into the river as offerings to the great Qu Yuan’s spirit, but a [water dragon](https://www.britannica.com/plant/lizards-tail) got to it first, so Qu Yuan came back from the dead to suggest they wrap the food in leaves, thereby creating the festival’s signature sticky rice [dumplings](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dumpling) (zongzi). In other quarters it is said that people searched for his body in their boats in an attempt to save him, and, unable to locate him, they tossed zongzi into the river to distract fish from eating his body. Evidence of dragon boat racing in honor of Qu Yuan can be dated to the 5th or 6th century ce. The [Hubei](https://www.britannica.com/place/Hubei) and [Hunan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Hunan) provinces in particular celebrate the memory of Qu Yuan at the annual Dragon Boat Festival. Another legend extends the festival’s origins earlier to the [Spring and Autumn period](https://www.britannica.com/event/Spring-and-Autumn-Period) and the death of statesman Wu Zixu in 484 bce. His father and brother were killed by the king of Chu, which led him to seek refuge in the Wu kingdom, where he was eventually betrayed and forced to kill himself. His body was tossed in the [Qiantang River](https://www.britannica.com/place/Fuchun-River) on the fifth day of the fifth month. His fury is said to have created such raging tides that people in some parts of China [worship](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/worship) him as a river god. This legend is told in [Fujian](https://www.britannica.com/place/Fujian), [Jiangsu](https://www.britannica.com/place/Jiangsu), and [Zhejiang](https://www.britannica.com/place/Zhejiang) provinces. A third legend, also from Zhejiang province, recounts the tragic story of a 14-year-old girl named Cao E whose father had been missing for several days after going fishing. Beside herself in sorrow, she went to the Shunjiang River to search for him. Accounts differ on whether she intended to kill herself in the water or jumped in thinking she could save her father. It is said that her dead body was found holding her father’s dead body a few days later. This legend, which places Cao E’s death at 143 ce, varies regarding whether it was the fifth day of the fifth month that her father went to the river to fish or the fifth day of the fifth month that she jumped into the river to retrieve his body. Unlike the previous legends that feature men’s self-sacrifice to country, Cao E’s story emphasizes the [Confucian](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Confucianism) ideal of [filial piety](https://www.britannica.com/topic/xiao-Confucianism)—that is, devotion to one’s family. Another hero [commemorated](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commemorated) on this holiday in some corners and in more recent times is the feminist poet Qiu Jin (1875–1907). She rejected gender norms in traditional Chinese society that kept women in the home and deprived them of education. She was also a revolutionary opposed to the [Qing](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Qing-dynasty) empire. Beheaded in 1907 by the Qing government, which accused her of conspiring to overthrow it, she became a [martyr](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martyr) and is sometimes called China’s “[Joan of Arc](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Joan-of-Arc).” She is honored on Poet’s Day, along with Qu Yuan and the others. Trusted knowledge for those who want to know more. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=shorter-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) ## Of dragons, dumplings, and dangerous things The [dragons](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dragon-mythological-creature) featured in this festival are among the most important creatures in Chinese mythology. They symbolize power, strength, and luck and are believed to control the seasons, harvests, rain, water, typhoons, and floods. Thus, a key part of the festival involves worshipping the dragon god. Additionally, the legend of people searching for Qu Yuan in their boats ties in with the practice of dragon boat racing. The traditional sport of dragon boat racing [combines](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/combines) a festive atmosphere with the exciting tensions of a competitive match. Dragon boats are narrow and long, ranging in length from about 40 feet (12 meters) to more than 100 feet (35 meters), and are decorated with the head and tail of a dragon. They are guided by a designated steerer at the stern and powered by two rows of paddlers (crews can have from 20 to about 80 members), who paddle in unison to the beat of a drummer usually seated at the bow. In historical times crews would consist of teams from different clans or guilds who competed in bitter rivalries. Dragon boat racing has become increasingly popular, and in the 2020 Tokyo [Olympic Games](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Olympic-Games) (held in 2021 because of the [COVID-19 pandemic](https://www.britannica.com/topic/What-was-the-impact-of-COVID-19)) it was included as a demonstration sport, with many professional dragon boaters hoping that it might eventually become a medal sport. [Yummy zongzi](https://cdn.britannica.com/64/258064-050-263BE037/chinese-zongzi-sticky-rice-dumplings-dragon-boat-festival.jpg)Zongzi dumplings, wrapped in leaves and tied up, ready for the Dragon Boat Festival. Like many festivals around the world, the Dragon Boat Festival conspicuously features special foods, most notably zongzi dumplings. The zongzi dumplings are associated with the Qu Yuan legend. Zongzi are made with glutinous rice and stuffed with a variety of sweet or [savory](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/savory) fillings, including dates, egg yolks, and meat. The pyramid-shaped dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves, tied with a string, and steamed or boiled. Other popular foods include eggs steamed with tea, thin pancakes, eel, and glutinous rice cakes. Celebrants might also drink realgar wine—wine made from fermented grains and sprinkled with [realgar](https://www.britannica.com/science/realgar) minerals—which is said to fight off diseases, snakes, and wicked spirits. Also called: Double Fifth Festival or Poet’s Day Mandarin: Duanwu Jie Cantonese: Tuen Ng Many of the festival’s rituals are rooted in intentions to free people of misfortunes associated with the fifth month, and various rituals and talismans are employed out of a belief that they might provide protection. It is thought in Chinese [culture](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture) that this time period is associated with a surge in [contagious](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contagious) diseases and plagues and increased activity of the five poisonous creatures ([snakes](https://www.britannica.com/animal/snake), [scorpions](https://www.britannica.com/animal/scorpion), [centipedes](https://www.britannica.com/animal/centipede), [lizards](https://www.britannica.com/animal/lizard), and [toads](https://www.britannica.com/animal/toad); sometimes [spiders](https://www.britannica.com/animal/spider-arachnid) appear in place of one of those). A tableau illustration of these five creatures can be seen frequently throughout China. In order to ward off evil influences, celebrants bathe in flower-scented water and wear perfume pouches. Additional practices involve employing the five colors—blue, red, yellow, black, and white—that represent the five elements and five natural forces. In combination, they are said to be protective, and threads of them might be worn on the body or tied around wrists and ankles. Hanging items over doorways and on windows is another tradition of the festival. People hang plants such as calamus, mugwort, and [wormwood](https://www.britannica.com/plant/wormwood-plant) to [avoid](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/avoid) bad luck and fend off disease. Finally, one might also see on this holiday portraits of Zhong Kui, a mythical figure who the Tang emperor [Xuanzong](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Xuanzong) dreamed about before recovering from a monthlong illness. According to this legend, Zhong Kui was a scholar who tragically killed himself over a slight but returned in the afterlife to defeat demons and ghosts with his sword, offering further protection on this holiday for people fearful of dangerous spirits and creatures.
Shard	62 (laksa)
Root Hash	5455945239613777662
Unparsed URL	com,britannica!www,/topic/Dragon-Boat-Festival s443