More info- The Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival is an exciting event in Hong Kong.
The Festival occurs on the fifth day of the Fifth Moon, usually in June.
On this date, everyone in China puts aside their busy days to
honour the death of the famous Chinese port and patriot, Wut Yuan. Wut Yuan
wrote magnificent and passionate poems for his country, against the evil
officials.
After some time, he became disillusioned and committed suicide by drowning himself in the Milo River.
The people of China were so upset by the loss of their hero that they paddled in boats to where Wut
Yuan’s body was, and started beating the water with their paddles to stop the fish from eating his body.
They even threw in their precious rice dumplings into
the water to drive the fish away from the perfect male role
model.
Nowadays, the Dragon Boat races memorialize
Wut Yuan’s death. The Dragon Boats vary in sizes in a range between 45 to 120
feet long. These mesmerising boats are decorated with colourful pennants and
fierce dragon heads at the front of the boat, hence the name of the
festival. It is said that the
dragon heads are what lead the boat to victory and that this is because the
dragons are searching for Wut Yuan’s body in the
water.
These Dragon Boat races commence at Yaumati
Typhoon Shelter, Aberdeen, at Shaukiwan and Stanley Beach. Lots of local
companies sponsor the dragon boat teams. To become part of a team requires
dedication, practice, and precision. On the day of the races, there are picnics
and celebrations on the beach, along with the excitement of the races. The
Dragon Boat Festival is an event not to be
missed.
The Festival occurs on the fifth day of the Fifth Moon, usually in June.
On this date, everyone in China puts aside their busy days to
honour the death of the famous Chinese port and patriot, Wut Yuan. Wut Yuan
wrote magnificent and passionate poems for his country, against the evil
officials.
After some time, he became disillusioned and committed suicide by drowning himself in the Milo River.
The people of China were so upset by the loss of their hero that they paddled in boats to where Wut
Yuan’s body was, and started beating the water with their paddles to stop the fish from eating his body.
They even threw in their precious rice dumplings into
the water to drive the fish away from the perfect male role
model.
Nowadays, the Dragon Boat races memorialize
Wut Yuan’s death. The Dragon Boats vary in sizes in a range between 45 to 120
feet long. These mesmerising boats are decorated with colourful pennants and
fierce dragon heads at the front of the boat, hence the name of the
festival. It is said that the
dragon heads are what lead the boat to victory and that this is because the
dragons are searching for Wut Yuan’s body in the
water.
These Dragon Boat races commence at Yaumati
Typhoon Shelter, Aberdeen, at Shaukiwan and Stanley Beach. Lots of local
companies sponsor the dragon boat teams. To become part of a team requires
dedication, practice, and precision. On the day of the races, there are picnics
and celebrations on the beach, along with the excitement of the races. The
Dragon Boat Festival is an event not to be
missed.
