Embracing Tradition: Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with LOR
The Dragon Boat Festival is an exhilarating and culturally significant event celebrated by millions around the world. Its vibrant dragon boat races, delicious sticky rice dumplings, and rich historical roots have turned it into a cherished tradition that brings families and communities together. In this blog post, we will explore the origins, customs, and joyous atmosphere surrounding the Dragon Boat Festival.
Midsummer Month and Its Origins
The Dragon Boat Festival is an annual event that occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar. It coincides with the second month of summer and the sun's ascent, hence its alternative names such as Double Fifth Festival, Midday Festival, and May Festival.
Originating in China as a tribal ritual to worship the dragon totem, the Dragon Boat Festival gained new significance during the Chu Dynasty of the Warring States Period. It was during this time that the poet Qu Yuan of the Chu state sacrificed himself by drowning in the Miluo River as an act of protest against political corruption. Locals rowed in boats and threw rice dumplings into the water to prevent fish from consuming his body. Rulers designated the Dragon Boat Festival as a memorial day for Qu Yuan to honor his memory.
Customs and Rituals
The Dragon Boat Festival is characterized by various customs and rituals passed down through generations. Dragon boat racing and eating sticky rice dumplings are among the most common customs. Additionally, children wear scented sachets to protect themselves from evil, and playing with standing eggs at noon is believed to bring good luck. Hanging wormwood and calamus at home wards off diseases, prevents mosquitoes, and repels evil spirits.
1. Dragon Boats Racing
Originating from the story of Qu Yuan's sacrifice, this tradition has evolved into a thrilling and popular sport. Teams row long and narrow boats adorned with dragon heads and tails, accompanied by rhythmic drumming, which creates a contagious atmosphere of competition and unity. These dragon boat races have become a perennial highlight of the festival.
2. Sticky Rice Dumplings (Zongzi)
The celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival is not complete without indulging in zongzi, which are pyramid-shaped sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with glutinous rice, meat, beans, and nuts. Families and friends come together to make and enjoy zongzi, sharing stories and passing down recipes. The aroma of zongzi fills the air, enticing everyone to savor the unique flavors and textures of this cherished delicacy.
Celebrating with LOR
In addition to these traditions, LOR suggests making the celebrations extra special by hosting gatherings with family and friends. Set up a rice dumpling-making station where guests can participate and prepare the delicious dumplings together. Organize the ingredients in an orderly flow and create a traditional table setting with tones of blue, red, and wood. You can also share your favorite rice dumpling recipe with your guests or try one of LOR's recommended recipes to enhance the festive experience.
LOR's Recommendation: Traditional Authentic Egg Yolk, Chestnut, Squid Zongzi
Ingredients:
Bamboo leaves | Cotton rope | Glutinous rice | Roasted salted egg yolk | Cooked chestnuts | Cooked shiitake mushrooms | Cooked Lotus nuts | Cooked winter shrimp | Cooked squid
Instructions:
1. Prepare the bamboo leaves by washing them and soaking them in water until they become pliable.
2. Take one bamboo leaf and fold it into a cone shape, overlapping the edges to form a pocket.
3. Fill the pocket with a layer of glutinous rice, followed by a piece of roasted salted egg yolk, cooked chestnuts, cooked shiitake mushrooms, cooked lotus nuts, cooked winter shrimp, and cooked squid.
4. After covering the filling with a layer of glutinous rice, tightly wrap the bamboo leaves around it and secure the shape with cotton rope.
5. Repeat the process to make more zongzi with the remaining ingredients.
6. Boil a pot of water and carefully place the zongzi into the pot. The water level should be about as high as the zongzi.
7. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, steam for an additional 50 minutes, and then simmer for another 10 minutes.
8. Take one zongzi apart and check if the glutinous rice has become soft and the inside has been thoroughly steamed. (Beware of the hot steam).
9. Remove the cooked zongzi from the pot and let them cool slightly before unwrapping.
10. Serve the flavorful zongzi as a delicious treat for the Dragon Boat Festival and enjoy the combination of glutinous rice and various savory ingredients wrapped in bamboo leaves! For those who enjoy spicy food, they taste even better when paired with a sweet and spicy sauce!
The Dragon Boat Festival is a special occasion that strengthens the bonds within families, friends, and communities, fostering joy, laughter, and creating cherished memories. By embracing its traditions and blending them with modernity, we can truly appreciate the historical and cultural significance of this extraordinary celebration. Let’s celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival together, embracing the past and shaping the future with love, unity, and cherished traditions.