Why Dragon Boat Festival says well-being instead of happiness (exploring the cultural connotation behind traditional festivals)

Traditional festivals are an important part of a national culture, bearing rich historical and cultural connotations. The Dragon Boat Festival in China is one of them, which is famous for its unique customs and traditions. However, unlike other festivals, the Dragon Boat Festival does not take "happiness" as the theme, but emphasizes "well-being". Then, why does the Dragon Boat Festival say well-being instead of happiness? Let's explore the cultural connotation behind this traditional festival.

Origin and legend

Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Dragon Boat Festival, is one of the traditional folk festivals in China, which started in the Warring States Period. According to historical records, the Dragon Boat Festival was originally created to commemorate the patriotic poet and politician Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan, the minister of the State of Chu, was rejected and framed by the nobles because of his loyalty to the country, and finally threw himself into the river. In order to commemorate his loyalty and patriotism, people began to hold activities such as rowing dragon boats and eating zongzi on the fifth day of May every year.

In addition, there is an important legend in the Dragon Boat Festival, that is, Qu Yuan's patriotic spirit touched Jiang Shen and the Dragon King, who sent dragon boats and zongzi to protect Qu Yuan's body from being eaten by fish. Therefore, people will row dragon boats and eat zongzi on the Dragon Boat Festival to commemorate Qu Yuan and his loyalty.

The moral of happiness

The reason why the Dragon Boat Festival emphasizes "well-being" is because this festival has profound implications. First of all, Dragon Boat Festival is an important disease prevention festival. The fifth day of May is long summer. The weather is getting hotter and hotter, and there are more and more diseases. The ancients believed that people's bodies were easily invaded by the outside world at this time, so they needed some prevention and protection. And "well-being" is a blessing to people's health and peace.

Secondly, the Dragon Boat Festival is also considered as a day to ward off evil spirits. According to folklore, the fifth day of May is the day when the gate of hell opens, and evil spirits will come out to make trouble. In order to avoid being disturbed by evil spirits, people will carry out a series of ceremonies and activities during the Dragon Boat Festival, such as putting up doors, hanging wormwood and wearing five-color lines, in order to be safe.

Customs and activities of Dragon Boat Festival

There are various customs and activities in the Dragon Boat Festival, and each region has its own unique tradition. The following are some common customs and activities of the Dragon Boat Festival:

row dragon boats

Dragon boat rowing is one of the most representative activities of the Dragon Boat Festival. Dragon boat is a long and narrow wooden boat with a dragon head carved on the bow. People formed teams to row dragon boats in rivers, lakes and seas to commemorate Qu Yuan's suicide by throwing himself into the river and protect the Dragon King.

eat Zongzi

Zongzi is one of the essential foods for the Dragon Boat Festival. It is made by wrapping various fillings with glutinous rice and then wrapping them with plant leaves such as bamboo leaves or reed leaves. Zongzi in different regions have different tastes and different wrapping methods, but they are all delicious in the fifth day of May.

Hanging wormwood

Hanging wormwood is another traditional custom of the Dragon Boat Festival. People will tie wormwood into bundles and hang them on doorways or beams to ward off evil spirits. Wormwood has a strong fragrance, which can drive away evil spirits.

doorman

Sticking doors is an important activity of the Dragon Boat Festival. People will stick portraits or pieces of paper at the door to protect family safety. Door gods are usually the images of ancient heroes or immortals, which have the function of ward off evil spirits.

final result

As an important part of traditional festivals in China, Dragon Boat Festival bears rich cultural connotations. It is not only a memorial to Qu Yuan's loyalty and patriotism, but also a prayer for health and peace. People yearn for a healthy life and pray for exorcism through customs and activities such as rowing dragon boats, eating zongzi, hanging wormwood and sticking to the door. Therefore, the Dragon Boat Festival pays more attention to "well-being" than "happiness". Let's feel the charm of traditional culture together and pray for well-being and peace on this Dragon Boat Festival.