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The Story Behind the Dragon Boat Festival

The Qu Yuan Story

The Dragon Boat Festival, a traditional festival in China, is widely believed to commemorate the death of Qu Yuan, a poet and minister who lived during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC).

Legend of Qu Yuan and the Dragon Boat Festival

According to legend, after Qu Yuan was accused of treason and exiled, he committed suicide by drowning in the Miluo River around 278 BC. Upon hearing the news, local villagers rowed their boats out into the river in an attempt to save him or retrieve his body.

Origin Stories of the Dragon Boat Festival

There are several origin stories associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, including the following three widely circulated legends:

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