The Dragon Boat Legend

The Dragon Boat Festival traditionally falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

The Races are held to commemorate the death of Qu Yuan, the legendary Chinese poet and patriot who lived during the Chou Dynasty almost 2000 years ago. He held a high position in the court of one of the major states of the time, but was eventually exiled by corrupt government officials. Qu Yuen wrote many poems expressing his great love for his country and his people, lamenting his own fate.

As a final protest against the government, Qu Yuen cast himself into the Mi Lo River.

The local fishermen were so moved by his gesture that they raced in their boat to try and recover his body, beating the water with paddles to prevent the fish from devouring him. They also threw rive dumplings into-the water to succour his spirit. To prevent the sea serpents from eating the rice offerings, the dumplings were wrapped in silk bound with five threads in the colours of the emperor.

As this tradition developed boats took the form of dragons to appease the controller of the waters, and ensure a safe and swift journey.

Today in Melbourne, Dragon Boat Races re-enact this historic scene.