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As noted on the Dragon Boat Festival home page, the highlight of any Dragon Boat Festival - officially observed this year on June 8, 2008 - are the colorful & lively dragon boat races which are now scheduled throughout the year ...

Historically, dragon boats were large and measured anywhere from fifty to one hundred feet long which accommodated many rowers at a time.

Today, dragon boats smaller in size, but many continue to be decorated with the traditional wooden dragon head at the bow, and a dragon tail at the stern. Typical hull colors are bright red, green, blue & gold, which adds to the excitement and pageantry of dragon boat races which began centuries ago in tribute to Qu (Chu) Yuan, a much beloved politician and statesman.

According to legend, Qu Yuan despaired of corruption in government and so one day threw himself into a river. Local people tried to rescue him by racing out to him in boats. They beat drums and threw rice into the water to appease large fish which threatened to eat him, to no avail.

Since then, the rescue operation has been reenacted with furious drumbeats, and by paddlers who throw fire crackers and ceremonial rice off the bow, as they embark on a symbolic search for an honest man.

In ancient times, competitions were held between different clans or villages, and winners were awarded money prizes, festive food or wine. Now, dragon boat races have developed into an intensity of interest far outside China.

The following links will take you to more dragon boat history and trivia, facts, information & racing schedules - along with the virtual excitement of actual dragon boat races - which today are held throughout the year whether as pure sport or as money-raising charity events, in towns or cities around the world. :

Chinese Dragon Boat Festival Races :

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also see -> Chinese Horoscopes | Chinese New Year

Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival