German Dragons Singapore
History
An ancient picture of dragon boating.
Legend says that after people had heard that he drowned himself, they were greatly dismayed. Fishermen raced to the spot in their boats to search for his body. Unable to find his body, people threw zongzi or dumplings, eggs and other foods into the river to the feed fish so they would help salvage his body.
Since then on the 5th day of the fifth month of every year, people have commemorated Qu Yuan’s sacrifice through dragon boat races, eating zongzi and other activities.
The actions of the villagers and how they went about their rescue mission embodies the spirit of Dragon boating. They joined together with a common goal - to rescue Qu Yuan. Such community spirit was remarkable and is representative of what we share as members of the German Dragons Singapore.
History
Deeply rooted in Chinese culture, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the 5th day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The festival commemorates the great Chinese patriot and poet, Qu Yuan.
Qu Yuan served in the court of Emperor Huai during the Warring States (475 - 221 BC). He was a wise and erudite man. His fight against corruption antagonized the other court officials and they exerted their evil influence on the Emperor, convincing him to dismiss Qu Yuan and eventually exile him.
During his exile, Qu Yuan did not give up. He travelled extensively, taught and wrote about his ideas. His works, the Lament (Li Sao), the Nine hapters (Jiu Zhang),and Wen tian, are masterpieces of ancient Chinese culture.
Qu Yuan saw the gradual decline of his homeland, the Chu State. When he heard that the Chu State was invaded and defeated by the strong neighbouring Qin State, he was so despaired that he ended his life by flinging himself into the Miluo River.
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