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Cultural Heritage
Tradition and teamwork
The cultural heritage of dragon boating
A modern competitive sport with deep cultural roots, dragon boating connects racing today with traditions passed down through generations.
The dragon on the water
Dragon boating is closely connected to China’s dragon culture. The carved dragon head at the bow, the tail at the stern and the scales painted along the hull give each boat its distinctive identity. The paddles symbolically represent the dragon’s claws.
These traditions remain part of the sport even as crews compete at national and World Championship level.
Origins and the Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon boating’s origins include religious ceremonies intended to appease the rain gods. The Dragon Boat Festival is also associated with remembrance of the poet Qu Yuan, whose story is an important part of the tradition.
The festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
Ceremonies and cultural resources
Explore the background, customs and procedures associated with dragon boat ceremonies, including the dotting of the eyes, boat blessing and paddlers’ oath.