Myth and legend surround the history of dragon boat racing. 

One such myth involves a memorable historical event that occurred more than 2,000 years ago.  It is a story of self-sacrifice. 

A man of great respect, Qu Yuan, a poet, minister and councilor to Emperor Chu, was cast into exile because of his politically sensitive poems.  Distraught and inconsolable, Qu Yan grasped a large stone and threw himself into the Mi Lo River in an act of desperation and sorrow.

Qu Yuan was so loved by the people that local fishermen raced to the tragic scene in their long, swift boats, beating their drums and splashing their oars to scare the many fish away from his body.  They also threw rice into the river in an attempt to protect Qu Yuan’s body from the fish and other to feed his soul. 

Dragon Boat Festivals are held in China on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, the same day Qu Yuan is said to have drowned himself.  Many of the original rituals are still practiced today.  One such practice is to “Awaken the Dragon” by dotting the eyes of the Dragon’s head on each of the boats.  

Historically, the dragon as the symbol of water, was a favorite of the Emperor.  After one of the best artists was commissioned to etch the eyes on a stone dragon, thunder and turbulent weather swept the land.  It was believed the mythical beast was “awakened.”