Bobby Explains the Dragon Boat Festival!

Dragon Boat Festival and the seven main activities. Activity number one, washing hands in wormwood water. People wash their hands in wormwood water during the Dragon Boat Festival because it is believed to keep away sickness, insects, and bad luck. Activity number two, posting doggod. Posting doggods during the Dragon Boat Festival is done to protect the home from evil spirits and bring good luck. It's a traditional way for families to feel safe and blessed during the holiday. Activity number three, cooking eggs. People cook and eat eggs during the Dragon Boat Festival because eggs symbolize life and good health. Some also believe that balancing an egg at noon on the festival day brings good luck for the year. Activity number four, drawing on eggs. People draw on eggs during the Dragon Boat Festival to make them fly and colorful, especially for children. The drawings can also be symbols of good luck, health, and protection. Activity number five, pounding herbs for satchets. People pound herbs for satchets during the Dragon Boat Festival because the strong smelling herbs are believed to protect against disease, bad luck, and evil spirits. These satchets are often worn or hung up to keep people healthy and safe. Activity number six, playing games. People play outdoor games during the Dragon Boat Festival to celebrate the holiday with physical activity, fun, and tradition. These games help bring families and communities together, promoting teamwork and joy, while also keeping the festive spirit alive. Activity number seven, sticky rice dumplings. People make sticky rice dumplings, known as songzi, during the Dragon Boat Festival as a way to honor the ancient poet Ch'u-Yuan. According to legend, Ch'u-Yuan drowned himself in the river to protest against corruption, and locals threw rice into the water to prevent fish from eating his body. Today, making and eating songzi is a way to remember his sacrifice and celebrate the festival. Thanks for watching!