端午节故事的由来英文版（The Legend of Dragon Boat Festival）

The Legend of Dragon Boat Festival

The Origin of Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is one of the most celebrated traditional festivals in China. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and has a history of more than 2,000 years. The origins of this festival can be traced back to ancient China, during the Warring States period. It was said that this festival was started to commemorate the death of a famous Chinese scholar and patriot named Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River to protest against the corrupt government.

The Story of Qu Yuan

Qu Yuan was born in 340 BC, in the state of Chu, in what is now present-day Hunan province. He served as a minister to the King of Chu and was well-known for his wit, wisdom, and integrity. However, when the King of Chu made an alliance with the powerful state of Qin, Qu Yuan was exiled from his position for objecting to the alliance. He was forced to leave his home and wander around the country, writing poetry to express his love for his homeland and his sorrow for the kingdom's unfortunate fate.

One day, when Qu Yuan heard that Chu had been defeated by Qin, he was so devastated that he decided to end his own life. He tied a heavy stone to himself and threw himself into the Miluo River, hoping that his death would awaken the people of Chu to fight against their enemies. Hearing the news of his death, the local people rushed to the river in their boats, trying to save him. They beat drums and splashed water to frighten away the fish and protect his body from being eaten by them.

Dragon Boat Racing

To commemorate Qu Yuan, dragon boat racing was initiated, which has become a major feature of the Dragon Boat Festival. It is said that the boats used for racing are modeled after the boats that were used to search for and rescue Qu Yuan's body. The boats are decorated with dragon heads and consist of a crew of paddlers, one drummer, and one steersman. The paddlers row to the rhythm of the drumbeat, making the boats look like a dragon swimming in the water.

Today, Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated not only in China but also in many other parts of the world. The festival has become a cultural and sporting event that promotes national pride and teamwork, and symbolizes the spirit of patriotism, bravery, and righteousness.