Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. This festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is celebrated to commemorate the ancient poet and minister Qu Yuan.
Qu Yuan was a loyal minister and patriotic poet during the Warring States period of ancient China. Legend has it that when his country fell into enemy hands, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River out of despair. To prevent fish and water creatures from consuming his body, people threw rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves into the river. This is said to be the origin of zongzi, a traditional food eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival.
Zongzi, also known as sticky rice dumplings, are made by wrapping glutinous rice with various fillings such as pork, dates, nuts, or salted egg yolk in bamboo leaves, then steaming or boiling them. The shape of zongzi varies across different regions of China, with some resembling pyramids and others like cylinders.
Apart from zongzi, another traditional food enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival is realgar wine, also known as xionghuangjiu. Realgar wine is believed to have the power to repel evil spirits and diseases. People drink it during the festival to stay healthy and ward off illnesses.
In addition to zongzi and realgar wine, there are various regional delicacies associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. For example, in southern China, people enjoy eating salted duck eggs and river snails, while in northern China, eating wheat-based foods like wheat dumplings and pancakes is common.
The foods eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival are not only delicious but also carry cultural and symbolic meanings. Zongzi symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice and filial piety, while realgar wine represents the desire for good health and protection from evil.
In conclusion, the Dragon Boat Festival is not only a time for dragon boat races and other traditional activities but also an occasion to savor delicious foods with deep cultural significance. Whether it's enjoying zongzi, drinking realgar wine, or indulging in regional delicacies, the festival offers a rich culinary experience that reflects the spirit and traditions of Chinese culture.