I recently wrote an article about Dragon Boat Races for a publication for Canadian demonstrators. I've been learning and writing about Diverse celebrations here in Canada.
For this article, I created little 'sour cream' containers made into simple replications of the zongzi rice dumplings. Just like the ones rowing the boat on the Google Doodle! : )
Dragon Boat Festival has been celebrated for 2,500 years, and there are several legends about its origin. The most popular one is that the holiday honours Qu Yuan, an ancient Chinese patriot poet and loyal politician who drowned in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. Qu Yuan was so loved that people quickly paddled boats on the river to rescue/recover him. As they raced along the river, they beat drums to ward off evil spirits. They threw zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo) to keep the fish well fed and away from Qu Yuan’s body. Although celebrated in China on the fifth day of the fifth month, on the Georgian calendar, Duanwu is celebrated on June 14 this year. Festivals take place across Canada on several different weekends throughout the summer. After cancellations last year, planning committees are still hopeful to run versions of the event this year working with their provincial health authorities for guidelines.
Creating paper boats, hanging lanterns, and making fun little Zongzi characters are a few ways for families to teach their kids about the tradition, create some excitement, and anticipate the fun. Largely a water event, with outdoor activities, you can incorporate decorating with Stampin’ Up! projects as a way for your customers to celebrate, and spruce up a picnic event.
