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TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS OF THE

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

The fifth day of the fifth month was considered the most evil and poisonous day of the year, the beginning of the summer when disease, illness, and death were rampant. Many traditions developed to harmonize the two opposing but complementary forces of yin and yang that were most strongly unbalanced at the onset of the summer. Without the harmony of these dual forces that permeated all life and the universe, the powers of nature wreaked havoc. The symbol of yin yang evokes the harmonious interplay of opposites.

Precautions were taken against the presiding evils of the season, a time for preventive activities in old China. The “Five Poisons” that were prevalent in the fifth month were represented by the snake, liz–ard, toad, centipede, and scorpion. These poisonous and harmful creatures contributed to calamities and the spread of diseases. To combat these evils, their images were prominently incorporated on clothing, cakes, and lucky charms with the belief that the ac–cumulated effect of these five poisons would success–fully combat all other ones. The lucky charms, in the form of “fragrant pouches” or xiangbao, were filled with aromatic herbs and worn by children as protec–tion. Five-coloured threads were given as gifts to avert evil. The five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water were repre– sented by the five colours of azure, red, yellow, white, and black, all working in harmony to banish bad luck. Another defence against evil was the fierce-looking ghost of Zhong Kui always shown brandishing his sword. His portrait was prominently displayed in homes during the festival to guard families from evil ghosts and demons. Branches of calamus, mugwort, and moxa were also hung around the home to ward off misfortune and prevent disease. Many of these precautionary measures remain popular today during the Dragon Boat Festival.