June 9, 2016
Dragon Boat Festival 2016
Today marks the first day of the Dragon Boat Festival observed in China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and a host of other countries in east Asia and beyond. The Dragon Boat races are part of the "double fifth" festival, or Duanwu, which is held on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. These boats are carved from wood and hold a 22-person crew comprised of 20 paddlers, one "sweep” who steers the boat, and one "caller" who beats a drum to keep time.
A dragon’s head is often carved into the bow of the boat to symbolize the energy and power of the dragon rising from the river — part of the legend of Qu Yuan. As an ode to this ancient tale, revelers share zongzi, or sticky rice wrapped in leaves or reeds. Doodler Alyssa Winans showed our Dragon Boat's enthusiasm for these delicious snacks in today's doodle.
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