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The origins of the dragon boats and the Dragon Boat Festival are buried deep in Chinese history, and many versions abound, all of which share common traditions and rituals, and themes of superstitions, suicides, ghosts, and, most significantly, the dragon.
The Chinese dragon is an ancient mythical creature that has been venerated and honoured as the sacred ruler of the rivers, seas, clouds, and rain. Unlike the fire-breathing and sinister dragon in Western mythology, the Chinese dragon, also known as the River Dragon or Dragon King, was rarely considered malevolent. Although fearsome and powerful, the dragon was worshipped as a benefactor capable of providing enough rainfall for bountiful rice harvests. The dragon’s importance throughout Chinese history is evident everywhere — in paintings, literature, sculpture, dance, clothing, architecture, and music. The earliest dragon figure was unearthed in Inner Mongolia on a jar dating back 6,500 years.2 Later regarded as the official symbol of the emperor during the Yuan dynasty (1279–1368 A.D.), the dragon has come to represent China and its people. But nowhere is the presence of this mythical creature more strongly felt than during the annual Dragon Boat Festival when its heartbeat pulses wildly through millions of dragon boat paddlers around the world.