According to legend, the Dragon Boat Festival is held to honor Qu Yuan, a poet and statesman from the Chu Dynasty, considered China's classical age. It was the time of Confucius and Sun Tzu. He sacrificed himself in protest after learning his kingdom lost a war. Devastated by the news his supporters decided to throw food into the river so that they fish would not eat his body. They also scared the fish away by playing drums on long narrow boats called dragon boats. This evolved into the tradition of annual dragon boat races and zongzi eating that thrives thousands of years later.
This year a 3 day weekend will celebrate Qu Yuan and the street of Jimei will overflow in celebration as the dragon boats race through their pond. Qu Yuan is honored indeed.
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these are amazing! I have been folwloing your blog for awhile. I am currently a high school senior and I would like to work towards getting a job similar to yours once I am out of college. I was accepted at MICA and Pratt but am trying to decide between going to an art college from the start or going to a regular college to get a BA or BFA and then go to an art college for an MFA. I have to make a decision by the 1st :O . Do you think I could get into a job like this with only a traditional background in painting? Im very sorry for posting this on your blog because it is unrelated. I couldn't find any other way. If you have any time to contact me about this I can give you my email.
Posted by: Dian | 08/31/2012 at 10:48 PM
Follow your passion. Hard work and perseverance will open doors! Good luck.
Let me know what you decided.
Posted by: Julie | 09/01/2012 at 07:24 AM