Dragon boat racing is an ancient tradition that has been kept alive over the years. It is currently known as the Dragon Boat Festival. This practice has evolved over time. Recently, the center of Taiwan has adopted a significant change: race at night. This modification seeks to take advantage of the cool temperatures, light winds and the spectacular view of the boats illuminated with LED lights.
A drummer beats the rhythm behind the dragon head carved into the bow of the boat, while a sailor sits in the stern, where an elaborate tail completes the figure of the mythical animal. This detail is a traditional Chinese omen of prosperity and good luck.
In races, mainly amateur, teams are formed between neighbors and co-workers. Emily Lin31, a sales executive in Changhua County, told AP about the importance of these training sessions. “This dragon boat race allows us to meet, exchange and participate in something”said Lin, after the qualifying stage.
Additionally, daytime races mean dealing with the intense sun reflecting off the river, which can be exhausting. Chen Ta-tzunga machinery maintenance specialist, explained: “Daytime racing means dealing with Taiwan’s intense central sun that is reflected in the river and makes you feel bad.” This year, night races offered welcome relief: “But at night there is no sun,” Chen added.
This year, the races had a special meaning. They are the first after a three-year pause caused by the Covid-19 pandemicwhich increases the excitement and participation of both participants and observers.
The ships They vary in size, with teams ranging from 10 to 20 rowers. The festival usually falls in early June, around the summer solstice, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
According to Taiwan Todaythe Dragon Boat Festival It is one of the three most important popular celebrations in China, along with the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. dragon boat racing They commemorate an attempt to save the life of scholar Chu Yuan.
In Kaohsiung, civic groups sponsor Dragon Boat Festival competitions between rowing teams. The boats are painted with dragon-scale designs and have dragon heads carved into the bow. Chu Yuan’s death also gave rise to the custom of throwing handfuls of cooked rice into the water to comfort your spirit.
In Taiwanese homes the special meal of the day includes glutinous rice dumplings, filled with sweet bean paste or a ham mixture. Also, the Dragon Boat Festival marks the beginning of the hot seasonwhich is why housewives carry out exhaustive cleaning of the home.
Huang Yi-kaia rowing coach, highlighted the special experience of rowing at night this year: “Running at night is special for rowers. This allowed the rowers to concentrate on the moment. “It is a refreshing experience,” he told AP.
