I’ve never seen a dragon boat race but I’ve joined many Chinese people in eating zongzi, a rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, to remember the life of one of China’s greatest poets and scholars, Qu Yuan. Human nature hasn’t changed since the 3rd century BC. Qu Yuan’s wisdom threatened the kings officials so they had him exiled. He opted for death.

Legend says after he drowned himself, local villagers started throwing rice into the river so the fish wouldn’t eat Qu’s body. They formed the rice into dumplings so the rice would sink to the fish faster.

That’s how The Dragon Boat Festival originated. It’s celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar – May 30th this year. Festivities include eating rice dumplings, racing dragon boats, and trying to balance an egg on one’s nose to bring luck.

Days before the festival, I went out to do some shopping. I smiled when this dragon welcomed me into the grocery store – he was a happy reminder of friends who have told me the story of their country’s great poet as they presented me with zongzi.

In doing so, they welcomed me into their world.

I hope you enjoyed my quick culture snapshot. Looking for more? You can read stories of my experiences during Chinese Holidays here.