More people than ever enjoy an ancient Chinese festival
越来越多的人喜欢过历史悠久的中华节日
June 6, 2008
Colorful boats, beating drums and cheering crowds get people excited about Dragon Boat Festival. Officially, it falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. But an Internet search reveals celebrations all the way from May through October.
Legend says that the festival began in honor of one of China's first great poets, Qu Yuan (屈原). He served in the government and was well-known for his honesty. Through his poetry, he expressed a deep love for his country.
Around 278 B.C., Qu Yuan’s government lost a battle. Some believe that when he heard the news, Qu Yuan became filled with grief. He then walked out into the Mi Luo River and drowned himself. Because of their love for Qu Yuan, the people tried to save him. They jumped into their boats and searched the water for him. They also threw zongzi(粽子) to the fish, hoping to keep them from eating Qu Yuan’s body. The poet was never found but is still remembered each Dragon Boat Festival.
June 7, 2008
Modern-day festivals
Today, Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in many places around the world. People honor the day by eating zongzi and by watching or competing in dragon boat races. The sport is so popular that in China alone millions of people race annually.
The races are held in honor of search for Qu Yuan. The boats are dragon-shaped because traditionally dragons were believed to have power over the waters. Several days before the race, a dragon’s head and tail are added. A few days later, the dragon’s eyes are painted on. This represents bringing the dragon to life.
Each boat usually has a team of 22, including 20 paddlers, a drummer and a flag-catcher. When the first boat reaches the finish line, its flag-catcher grabs the flag of victory!
These days, many non-Asian cities hold dragon boat races. Often the races are used to raise money for charity. In addition, people consider it a great way to celebrate Chinese culture while enjoying an exciting event.
Word bank
Cheering(pp)加油的，喝彩的
At the football game tonight, the cheering crowd was louder than one band.
Internet(n)网络，国际互联网
Every morning, Angie drinks coffee and reads the news on the Internet.
Celebration(n)庆祝，庆典
Last year, my parents had a big celebration on their twentieth anniversary.
Honesty(n)诚实，正直
The new mayor is well-liked and known for his honesty.
Drown(v)使。。。溺水，溺水
Five people drowned after their boat sank in the ocean during a storm.
Celebrate(v)庆祝，过节
Around the world, people celebrate Christmas in different ways.
Annually(adv)一年一次地，年度地
Jan is already preparing for the exams that are taken by all the students annually.
Represent(v)代表
For many people, spring represents new life because the trees and grass turn green again.
Grab(v)抓取，夺取
In the grocery store, Cassie’s son kept trying to grab candy from the shelves.
More information
Paddler(n)划桨手
Finish line(n)终点线 |
