The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated nationwide (remember) Qu Yuan, one of the greatest poets of ancient China and the (early) known by name. When Qu Yuan jumped into a river out of love for his country in 278 BC, people (desperate) rowed out in boats to search for him. This inspired the Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place each year on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, day when Qu Yuan died. Festivities vary in different parts of China, they share several traditions, dragon boat racing included. Rowers sit in large dragon-shaped boats and row them the beat of a drum (鼓), which is usually played by someone (seat) at the front of the boat. Another feature of the celebrations is a popular snack called zongzi or (stick) rice dumplings. It is believed that zongzi, which represent good luck, (throw) into the river to stop fish eating Qu Yuanˈs body. In some parts of China, mugwort (艾草) leaves can be seen (hang) on doors or windows during the Dragon Boat Festival to discourage insects from entering the house.
