As one of China's four major traditional festivals, the Dragon Boat Festival also known as the Duanwu Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month every year, which is May 31 this year. Beyond China, the festival enjoys widespread celebration in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant tapestry of cultural rituals and culinary delights. Dragon boat races are always the most exciting part of the festival. These races not only honor the ancient patriotic poet Qu Yuan but also serve as a vibrant display of teamwork and community spirit. Zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, are the most popular food during the festival. The flavors of zongzi with sweet or savory fillings are usually different across different regions of China. During the festival, people often hang moxa and calamus in their houses to prevent diseases and repel insects, wear sachets with colorful silk cloth and drink realgar wine to ward off evil spirits and diseases.

May you be embraced by the warmth of traditions and the joy of family reunions, and be blessed with peace and health on this special day!

(Zhang Yong)