A Brief Introduction to the Dragon Boat Festival Chinese festivals are often closely linked with special foods and lively traditions. The Dragon Boat Festival is no exception.

On this day, people eat zongzi and enjoy the excitement of dragon boat races -- which is where the festival's English name comes from.

To truly understand the Dragon Boat Festival, and indeed many aspects of Chinese culture, it helps to know a bit of ancient history.

The Origin of the Dragon Boat Festival The festival is commonly associated with the patriotic poet Qu Yuan.

His famous work Li Sao, along with other poems, reflects his deep love for his country.

However, despite his loyalty and talent, Qu Yuan was eventually exiled and became deeply discouraged.

In despair, he ended his life by throwing himself into the Miluo River.

When people heard the news, they rushed out in boats to search for and rescue him, but it was too late.

In grief, they threw rice into the river to prevent fish and shrimp from consuming his body.

This act is believed to have evolved into two enduring traditions: dragon boat racing and the making of zongzi.