How to Say Dragon Boat Festival in English and How to Introduce It to Foreigners
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. This festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is widely celebrated in China and other East Asian countries. In this article, we will explore how to say Dragon Boat Festival in English and how to introduce this festival to foreigners.
What is the Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival is a cultural holiday that commemorates the life and death of the famous Chinese poet and statesman, Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan lived during the Warring States period in ancient China and was known for his patriotism and literary talent. When his country was invaded, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River as a form of protest against the corruption of the government. The local people, who admired him, raced their boats to the spot where he drowned and threw rice dumplings into the river to prevent the fish from eating his body.
How to Say Dragon Boat Festival in English?
In English, the Dragon Boat Festival is commonly referred to as Duanwu Festival. The term "Duanwu" comes from the Chinese words "duan" meaning "beginning" and "wu" meaning "noon". It is believed that this name originated from the fact that the festival takes place during the hottest time of the year, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
Introducing the Dragon Boat Festival to Foreigners
When introducing the Dragon Boat Festival to foreigners, it is important to provide them with some background information about the festival and its significance. You can start by explaining that the festival is celebrated in honor of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and statesman in ancient China. Mention that he is revered as a national hero and that the festival is a way for people to remember and pay tribute to him.
Next, you can describe some of the customs and traditions associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. Talk about the dragon boat races, which are a highlight of the festival. Explain that these races involve teams of rowers paddling in sync to the beat of a drum, while spectators cheer them on. Emphasize the competitive nature of the races and the excitement they bring to the festival.
Another important aspect of the Dragon Boat Festival is the eating of zongzi, pyramid-shaped sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Explain that these dumplings are traditionally filled with various ingredients such as meat, beans, and nuts. Mention that the act of eating zongzi during the festival is believed to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits.
Furthermore, you can mention the other customs and activities that take place during the Dragon Boat Festival. These may include hanging up pouches of herbs to ward off evil spirits, wearing colorful silk threads to protect against evil, and making and wearing medicinal sachets to ward off evil spirits and diseases.
Conclusion
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a significant cultural holiday in China. It is a time for people to remember and pay tribute to the famous poet and statesman, Qu Yuan. By explaining the background, customs, and traditions of the festival, we can help foreigners gain a better understanding and appreciation of this important Chinese holiday.