On the 5th day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar each year, China celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival. This festival honors a patriot poet who was once so despaired over the state of this country back in about 220 BC that he ended his life by throwing himself into a river. The Dragon Boat festival is celebrated to teach people about loyalty and commitment to the country/community. It is celebrated with Dragon Boat races and eating Zongzi (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves). Such was the celebration in Shimao last month too! And when you are pretty much the only Westerners left in town you are strongly invited to attend and then the honored guest! It was one of those unique cultural experiences - once you decide to just go with it, everything turns out pretty fun (or at least pretty funny!)
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| Being interviewed...in Chinese! |
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| Making Zongzi |
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| Getting ready to eat the Zongzi? |
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| Celebration complete with dancing ladies! |
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| The winners who have pulled away from the pack! |
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| The spoils for the winners (more Chinese food)! |
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