The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that dates back over 2,000 years. Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, this festival is steeped in history and celebrated throughout China.
The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the life and death of Qu Yuan, a renowned Chinese poet and minister. Born around 339 BCE in the state of Chu, Qu Yuan was a member of the ruling house and a trusted advisor to King Huai of Chu. However, hewas banished after advocating for an alliance against the powerful state of Qin. Eventually, in despair over his exile and the corruption he witnessed, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River in 278 BCE.
The local people, in an attempt to save him, raced out in their boats, beating drums and splashing the water to ward off evil spirits which is believed to have led to the tradition of dragon boat racing.
The Chinese community in the UK celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival with races, food events and music taking place in cities such as London, Manchester, and Liverpool.
Dragon boat racing is the most iconic and recognisable aspect of the Dragon Boat Festival. These races, which date back over two thousand years, are a mix of tradition, teamwork, and physical endurance.
Dragon boats are long, narrow vessels, often decorated with colourful dragon heads and tails. These boats can hold anywhere from 10 to 50 paddlers, depending on the race..
Dragon boat races typically take place on rivers, lakes, or harbours. Each boat is powered by a team of paddlers, a steerer at the rear, and a drummer at the front. The drummer sets the pace with rhythmic beats that the paddlers follow.
Our Salmon Poke bowl recipe is perfect for prepping your body for endurance. Packed with omega-3s for brain power, protein for muscle recovery, and heart-healthy avocado, this bowl is a nutritional powerhouse.
Every racer needs plenty of luck and good fortune when entering these races! In Chinese culture, rice often symbolises good fortune. Good Fortune Rice, prepared with Lee Kum Kee sauces, not only tastes delicious but is also a symbol of prosperity and success for all participants.
Zongzi, the iconic food of the Dragon Boat Festival, comes in many delicious varieties. The most common zongzi in Hong Kong is the Cantonese variety, which typically includes tender pork belly, roasted duck, salted eggs, and mushrooms.
Savoury Zongzi: These often contain pork belly and are rich and packed full of flavour. Our Premium Light Soy Sauce and Premium Dark Soy Sauce are perfect for adding a dash of umami flavour to these delicious snacks!
Sweet Zongzi: Typically stuffed with red bean or lotus paste, sweet zongzi may also come without a filling. They are usually served with sugar, providing a completely different taste and texture from the savoury ones.
Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival is a wonderful way to connect with Chinese heritage and traditions. Whether you're in China or the UK, the essence of the festival remains the same - honouring history, enjoying vibrant cultural activities, and indulging in delicious traditional foods.
