Holiday Notice of The Dragon Boat Festival

What is The Dragon Boat Festival?

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. It is a time to commemorate the life and death of the famous Chinese scholar Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River. The festival is celebrated with dragon boat races, eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and hanging mugwort and calamus.

Origins and History

The Dragon Boat Festival has a history of over 2,000 years, dating back to the Warring States Period in China. The most popular origin story involves Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and minister who lived in the state of Chu. Qu Yuan opposed his king’s decision to ally with the powerful state of Qin and was exiled as a result. In despair, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month.

The local people, who admired Qu Yuan, raced out in their boats to try and save him, or at least retrieve his body. This is said to be the origin of dragon boat racing. When his body could not be found, they dropped balls of sticky rice into the river so that the fish would eat them instead of Qu Yuan’s body. This is said to be the origin of zongzi.

Holiday Arrangements

Due to the Dragon Boat Festival, please note the following holiday arrangements:

All employees are required to resume work on June 26, 2023 (Monday). Please make necessary arrangements for your work and travel plans.

Salary Arrangement

Salaries for the month of June will be paid on June 30, 2023 (Friday) as usual. For those who need to work during the festival holidays, overtime pay will be provided according to the company’s regulations.

How to Celebrate The Dragon Boat Festival

There are several traditional ways to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival:

1. Dragon Boat Racing: The most iconic activity of the festival. Teams race in colorful, dragon-shaped boats to the rhythm of beating drums. It’s a spectacular sight and a major event in many Chinese communities.

2. Eating Zongzi: Zongzi are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. They can be filled with various ingredients like pork, chestnuts, or red bean paste. Eating zongzi is a way to remember Qu Yuan and the legend of how the rice dumplings were used to keep the fish from eating his body.

3. Hanging Mugwort and Calamus: In ancient times, people believed that hanging mugwort and calamus on their doors could ward off evil spirits and disease. This custom is still practiced in some regions.

4. Wearing Perfume Pouches: Children often wear colorful perfume pouches filled with fragrant herbs around their necks. This is believed to protect them from evil and bring good luck.

Dragon Boat Festival Fun Facts

• The Dragon Boat Festival is also celebrated in other East Asian countries like Korea and Japan, as well as in Chinese communities worldwide.
• The longest zongzi ever made was over 8 meters long and used 400 kilograms of rice!
• The Dragon Boat Festival was listed as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2009.
• In Hong Kong, there’s a unique tradition of climbing mountains during the festival to “borrow” auspicious energy.

FAQs

1. Q: Is the Dragon Boat Festival a public holiday in China?
   A: Yes, the Dragon Boat Festival is a public holiday in mainland China. Most people get a 3-day break from work or school.

2. Q: Do people really eat zongzi only during the Dragon Boat Festival?
   A: While zongzi are the traditional food of the Dragon Boat Festival, they are actually eaten year-round in China. However, the consumption of zongzi does peak during the festival period.

3. Q: Are dragon boat races held only in China?
   A: No, dragon boat races are held in many countries around the world where there are Chinese communities. They have also gained popularity among non-Chinese as a fun and exciting sport.

4. Q: Why are the boats shaped like dragons?
   A: In Chinese culture, dragons are auspicious creatures associated with water. Having the boats shaped like dragons is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil.

5. Q: What is the significance of the 5th day of the 5th lunar month?
   A: In Chinese tradition, the number 5 is associated with the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). The 5th day of the 5th month is considered a very auspicious day when these elements are in balance.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a significant part of Chinese cultural heritage. It not only commemorates a patriotic figure, but also serves as a time for family reunion, community bonding, and warding off evil spirits. As you enjoy the festive food and activities, remember the rich history and traditions behind this holiday.