How Has the Dragon Boat Festival’s Tradition of River Offerings Continued to This Day?
Every year during the Dragon Boat Festival, Zigui County, the hometown of Qu Yuan in Hubei Province, holds the ancient “River Sacrifice” ceremony. “I’m back yo—-” a heartfelt call, crossing a thousand years, drifting along both banks of the Xiajiang River.
Why has the “River Sacrifice” been passed down to this day and attracted attention at home and abroad? Nowadays, how does this ancient custom innovate and breakthrough to resonate with contemporary society? Recently, an interview was conducted to analyze these questions.
The following is a summary of the interview transcript:
What is “River Sacrifice”? How did this unique custom originate?
The so-called “River Sacrifice” is a ceremony to worship the water god, a custom predating Qu Yuan. In “Nine Songs,” figures such as the River Lord, Lord Xiang, and
About: Zigui County
Zigui County, located in Hubei Province, China, near the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, is famously known as the birthplace of the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States period. The county is rich in historical and cultural heritage, marked by the Qu Yuan Memorial Hall among other sites dedicated to his legacy. Additionally, Zigui County has gained importance in recent times due to its proximity to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest power station in terms of installed capacity.
About: Qu Yuan
Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BC) was a Chinese poet and minister known for his patriotism and contributions to classical poetry. He served in the state of Chu during the Warring States period. After being banished for opposing the alliance with the powerful state of Qin, he wrote a great deal of poetry expressing his concern for his country and his deep despair at its decline, which culminated in his eventual suicide by drowning in the Miluo River. His legacy is honored during the Dragon Boat Festival, where zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are eaten and dragon boat races are held to commemorate his life and death.
About: Xiajiang River
The Xiajiang River is a significant waterway located in China, known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural importance. Historically, the river has been a vital transportation and trade route, contributing to the economic and cultural development of the region it traverses. Today, the Xiajiang River continues to be celebrated for its natural beauty and serves as a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking to explore its scenic views and historical sites.
About: River Sacrifice
“River Sacrifice” refers to an ancient ritual practice observed in various cultures, where offerings or sacrifices were made to rivers considered sacred. This practice was rooted in the belief that rivers were divine entities or were inhabited by spirits that governed their flow and fertility. Historical instances include civilizations such as the Aztecs, who made offerings to the god Tlaloc in lakes and rivers, and ancient Hindus, who performed rituals in the Ganges River to honor and seek blessings from the goddess Ganga.
About: River Lord
“River Lord” does not correspond to a widely recognized place or cultural site. It might be a fictional location, a local name for a specific area near a river, or possibly a name used in a specific cultural, literary, or historical context. Without additional information, it’s challenging to provide a historical background or summary. If you have more specific details or context regarding “River Lord,” please provide them, and I’ll be happy to help with a more accurate description.
About: Lord Xiang
Lord Xiang refers to Xiang Yu (232–202 BC), a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin dynasty period of Chinese history. Known for his prowess and strategic brilliance, Xiang Yu played a crucial role in the downfall of the Qin dynasty and is a central figure in the Chu-Han Contention, battling Liu Bang, who would eventually found the Han Dynasty. Despite his initial successes, Xiang Yu’s failure to establish a stable governance led to his defeat and subsequent suicide, but he remains a celebrated hero in Chinese culture, often portrayed as a symbol of courage and strength.
