Cultural significance
Drinking realgar wine is an important custom during the Dragon Boat Festival, which reflects the Chinese people's pursuit of health and reverence for nature. Although realgar wine is now less commonly seen on people's dining tables, this tradition is still preserved and has become an important component of the Dragon Boat Festival culture.
The Historical Background of the Origin of the Dragon Boat Festival
Historical background: The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the traditional festivals in China, originating from the worship of natural phenomena and evolving from the worship of dragons in ancient times. According to the Records of the Grand Historian, Qu Yuan was a minister of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period. He advocated for promoting the selection of talents and empowering the country, strengthening the military, and advocating for the alliance of Qi and resisting Qin. However, he faced strong opposition from nobles such as Lan, and was ultimately demoted to the Yuan and Xiang river basins. In 278 BC, the State of Qin conquered the capital of Chu, and Qu Yuan committed suicide by throwing himself into the river during his exile. In memory of Qu Yuan, people eat Zongzi, race dragon boats, hang wormwood and wear sachets on the fifth day of May every year.