Every year on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, families across the world celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwujie (端午节).

For many people, the festival means enjoying delicious rice dumplings or zongzi (粽子) and watching exciting dragon boat races. But behind these familiar traditions lies a story that has been passed down for more than two thousand years.

Whether you know it as Dragon Boat Festival, Duanwu Festival (端午节 duanwujie), or simply the season for zongzi (粽子), here's why this traditional Chinese festival continues to hold such cultural significance today.

 

What is the Dragon Boat Festival?

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals, alongside Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

It falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which is why it is sometimes called the Double Fifth Festival.

Today, the festival is celebrated in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, and many overseas Chinese communities around the world. UNESCO also recognises the Dragon Boat Festival as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Why is it called Duanwu (端午)?

The Mandarin name Duānwǔ Jié (端午节) literally means "Festival of the Beginning of the Fifth."

Although the English name "Dragon Boat Festival" focuses on the famous races, the Chinese name reflects its place in the traditional lunar calendar.

The Story of Qu Yuan (屈原)

 

The most well-known legend behind the Dragon Boat Festival is the story of Qu Yuan (屈原), a respected poet and statesman during the Warring States period.

According to tradition, Qu Yuan remained loyal to his kingdom even after being exiled. When his homeland eventually fell, he threw himself into the Miluo River in despair.

Local villagers rushed out in their boats to search for him while beating drums to scare away fish and evil spirits. They also threw rice wrapped in leaves into the river so the fish would eat the rice instead of his body.

These acts are said to have inspired two of today's most recognisable Dragon Boat Festival traditions:

• Dragon boat racing
• Eating zongzi (粽子)

While historians recognise that the festival has multiple historical origins, Qu Yuan remains its best-known cultural symbol.

Why Do People Eat Zongzi (粽子)?

No Dragon Boat Festival is complete without zongzi (粽子) or Ba zhang / Bak chang.

These pyramid-shaped rice dumplings are made using glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves before being steamed or boiled.

Different regions have developed their own favourite fillings.

Sweet zongzi (粽子)

Popular ingredients include:

• Red bean paste
• Red dates (jujubes)
• Lotus seed paste

Savoury zongzi (粽子)

Common fillings include:

• Braised pork belly
• Salted egg yolk
• Mushrooms
• Chestnuts
• Dried shrimp

In Singapore, many families also enjoy Nyonya zongzi (娘惹粽). A reflection of Peranakan cuisine, it is typically filled with braised pork cooked with aromatic spices and winter melon, creating a distinctive sweet-and-savoury flavour. Some versions also feature naturally blue-tinted glutinous rice coloured with blue pea flower, making them as visually distinctive as they are delicious.

Nowadays, you'll also often find modern zongzi (粽子) variations featuring ingredients such as abalone and other seafoods.

 

Why Are There Dragon Boat Races?

Dragon boat racing is far more than a competitive sport.

Traditionally, the races symbolised villagers searching the river for Qu Yuan while beating drums to protect him from evil spirits.

Today, dragon boat racing celebrates:

• Teamwork
• Discipline
• Unity
• Perseverance
• Community spirit

Across Singapore, dragon boat races continue to attract athletes and spectators every year, keeping this centuries-old tradition alive.

Dragon Boat Festival Traditions Around the World

Although the festival shares common roots, every region has its own customs.

Some families:

• Prepare rice dumplings together
• Visit relatives
• Watch dragon boat races
• Hang herbs believed to symbolise protection
• Spend time enjoying traditional foods with loved ones

The exact traditions may differ, but the heart of the festival remains the same: remembering history while bringing generations together.

Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore

Singapore has long celebrated the Dragon Boat Festival through its multicultural Chinese community.

Many families continue the tradition of making or buying zongzi (粽子) from local markets, while schools, community organisations, and sporting clubs organise dragon boat activities throughout the season.

Because Singapore brings together people with roots from different parts of China, you'll also find a wonderful variety of zongzi (粽子) styles—from Cantonese and Hokkien recipes to Teochew and Hakka family favourites.

More Than a Festival

Although Dragon Boat Festival is often associated with exciting races and delicious food, its enduring appeal comes from something deeper.

It reminds us of loyalty, remembrance, family, and preserving traditions across generations.

Whether you're sharing homemade zongzi (粽子) with grandparents, introducing children to the story of Qu Yuan, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the festival, Duanwu is a celebration of heritage that continues to connect families today.

Behind every tradition is a story, and behind every story is a family. At Unity Casket, we are privileged to support families during some of life's most meaningful moments, always with respect for the customs, values, and heritage that make each farewell unique. We hope that by sharing articles like this, we can celebrate not only important cultural festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival, but also the traditions that continue to connect generations and strengthen our community.