Singapore Activities | Dragon Boat Festival
Today marks the annual Dragon boat festival. Looking back at the pre-pandemic time, people gather to see colorful boats, hear the thumping of drums, and see excited crowds cheering their team favorites in the friendly Dragon boat race.
Now that social distancing is still in force, you may need to check the activity before you leave your house to make sure that these Singapore activities are still running. Despite the restriction, the traditions on how people celebrate the festival will never fade.
Here are the top five traditions that Chinese people observe during the Dragon boat festival
ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT
A dragon boat festival will never be the same without the iconic friendly competition dragon boat race. This tradition is to commemorate the life of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet, and exiled official in ancient China. Qu Yuan drowned himself in the river as an act of protest. In order to save him, locals rushed in boats to save him thus, the dragon race was born.
Don’t forget the Zong-zi (粽子）
Zong Zi is a sticky rice dumpling stuffed with different fillings wrapped in bamboo leaves. It is commonly eaten during the Dragon boat festival. It was believed that when locals tried to save Qu Yuan, they throw the rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves into the river so the fish would eat the grains instead of Yuan's body.
Paper shapes predator decorations
It is believed that cutting out the shapes of five poisonous creatures to ward off evil spirits causes disease. It is sometimes seen sticking stick on windows, doors, and walls.
Wear perfume Pouches
During Dragon Boat Festival perfume pouches are hung around kids' necks. as it is believed to protect them from evil.
Charms all the way
During the Dragon boat festival, people wear lucky bracelets on their necks, feet, or wrists which symbolizes longevity,