三只冬瓜

There is a numbers of theories about its origins. Well, today, the best-known traditional story that holds the festival commemorates the death of poet Qu Yuan (c. 340 BC – 278 BC) of the ancient state of Chu, in the Warring States Period of the Zhou Dynasty. Qu Yuan who concerned about the fate of his government but the jealousy of the king was aroused him. He was banished to a remote area. When the state’s capital was taken by the enemies, he committed suicide by drowning himself in Miluo River ( on 5th of May according to the Chinese lunar calendar). As he was a much beloved poet, the people felt this loss deeply. Meanwhile the local folk searched for him in the river and also dropping dumplings of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves in order to keep the fishes from attacking Qu Yuan’s body.

Ever since then, it has been a customary on this day to enjoy dumpling (Zong Zi) as a memorial to the patriotic poet.