The tradition of dragon boat racing comes from the legend of a tragic Chinese poet, Qu Yuan (340-278 B.C.). Qu Yuan was the prime minister of empire “Chu”. His nobility caused him to advocate peace to the other states during that tangled epoch. Remorseless, combative Huai, the King of Chu was offended by Qu’s admonishment and finally banished him from the state.

Disheartened Qu Yuan left his homeland, and during his vagrancy, he composed one of the greatest Chinese poems “Li Sao”, which reflected his patriotism and sadness . In 278 B.C., Qu Yuan learned depressingly that his homeland had been occupied by enemies. He then drowned himself in the Milo River.

The villagers tried to salvage Qu Yuan but failed. To prevent fishes from eating his body, they paddled boats with clamorous drumbeats, and threw rice dumplings wrapped with leaves (now known as the traditional food “Zong Zi”) into the river, supplicating to preserve the kindhearted poet.

Today, the commemoration of this ancient legend is continued. Majestic dragon decorations have been installed on the boats, which is a symbol to help people drive out diseases and pestilence. Besides as a team sport, dragon boat racing also symbolically brings health and vibrancy to everybody.