As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches on June 10, local markets in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, are brimming with traditional delights. Zongzi, a beloved glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with a variety of ingredients, is a must-try delicacy for festival-goers.
Alongside zongzi, vibrant handmade bracelets, salted duck eggs, and bouquets of mugwort are also popular items on sale, adding color and cultural flair to the festivities.
The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan, who, according to legend, threw himself into the river to protest political corruption. In honor of his sacrifice, locals began making and throwing zongzi into the river to protect his body from dragons and fish. This time-honored tradition not only pays tribute to Qu Yuan's patriotism but has also evolved with diverse flavors and spread across various regions in Asia.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
