Rachel, an Uzbek student studying at Sichuan University in Chengdu, southwest China, immersed herself in the vibrant celebrations of the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival. This traditional Chinese holiday commemorates the death of the poet Qu Yuan.
Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar for millennia, the Dragon Boat Festival is one of China’s major traditional festivals. This year, the festivities fell on June 10, bringing communities together with dragon boat races and the making of zongzi—rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
As Rachel navigated the bustling streets of Chengdu, she experienced firsthand the rich cultural heritage of the festival. She participated in preparing zongzi and watched the thrilling dragon boat races on the city’s rivers.
Drawing parallels between cultures, Rachel introduced the Navruz Festival of Uzbekistan, which marks the beginning of spring. “Participating in the Dragon Boat Festival allows me to appreciate the diversity of cultures,” she shared. “It helps us gain a deeper understanding of each other and strengthens the bonds between our peoples.”
The shared traditions of festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival and Navruz reflect the vitality of cultural exchange in Asia, fostering mutual respect and understanding across diverse societies.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
