60 Dragon Boats 'Answer Invitation' for Duanwu Festival

On May 24, 2009, 60 dragon boats from different villages rowed to the Zhu Cun Village (珠村) in response to its 'invitation' despite the heavy rains soaking Guangzhou.

The day was also the first day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The scene called "Ying Jing (应景)" in Chinese, meaning "answer the invitation," attracted thousands of passers-by.

According to the local tradition of Duanwu festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the host village invites dragon boats from the neighboring villages, which then send their replies on red paper. Then on the first day of the fifth lunar month, the dragon boats row to the host village to the beat of drums and firecrackers.

The heavy rains, along with the name of "water of dragon boat," create a happy occasion as they symbolize good fortune.

(By Jessie Hwang, Stephen Roach, photos by Guangzhou Daily)

Source: Lifeofguangzhou.com

Editor: Jessie Hwang