Last Saturday was a full fun day. In the morning, I went downtown with some friends to a Dragon Boat Festival. Dragon boat festivals have their roots in ancient Chinese myths and legends. Some say they started during the summer solstice to ensure abundant crops. Others say it celebrates the story of an ancient poet who leapt into a river clutching a heavy rock after he was banished by the king. People raced out in their fish boats and beat drums so the fish and "water dragons" wouldn't eat his body. (Not sure why he didn't just let go of the rock, but anyways...).
Now, over 2,000 years later, festivals are held at the start of summer and people race in teams with boats that have dragon heads at the bow. Each boat has 20 paddlers, a drummer at the front and someone who steers at the back.
Our neighbor also brought us this Chinese dish that she always serves to celebrate the dragon festival. It's beans and rice wrapped in bamboo leaves.
In the afternoon, we went to the park for a birthday party for our friends' little boy who turned one. Friends, dirt cake, frisbee, and football...all made for a great afternoon!
No comments:
Post a Comment