Dragon Boat races are the most exciting part of the festival, drawing crowds of spectators. Dragon Boats are generally brightly painted and decorated canoes. Ranging anywhere from 40 to 100 feet in length, their heads are shaped like open-mouthed dragons, while the sterns end with a scaly tail. Depending on the length, up to 80 rowers can power the boat. A drummer and flag-catcher stand at the front of the boat. Before a dragon boat enters competition, it must be brought to life by painting the eyes in a sacred ceremony. Races can have any number of boats competing, with the winner being the first team to grab a flag at the end of the course. Annual races take place all over China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and other overseas Chinese communities.

St. George: The Dragon Slayer


 
 


How could a Roman soldier come to be regarded as the essence of England? Let's find out.

There is little information available about St. George and what is available is wrapped in myth and legend. What we do know is that St. George wasn't English and that he probably was a Roman soldier. He is known as a great crusader, the slayer of dragons and rescuer of maidens. It is believed he was a Christian martyr in what is today known as Turkey. He was executed during the 3rd century in Palestine.

In the 6th century, tales of St. George's heroic deeds began to circulate. During the 12th century the legend expanded to encompass his slaying of a dragon that had been plaguing the countryside for years. When the dragon was dead, St. George is supposed to have rescued a lovely princess. Some researchers feel that the legend is based on the Greek myth of Perseus and the rescue of Andromeda from a gigantic sea monster. Others feel that St. George did indeed rescue the king's daughter after slaying some manner of vicious beast.

When Christian knights, known as crusaders, returned to England after having fought religious wars in the Middle East, the legend of St. George became popular. Tales of his having slain a dragon was a great source of entertainment within the castle walls and courtyards. The medieval knights told how St. George had appeared to them wearing white robes that were decorated with a red cross during the siege of Antioch in the 11th century.

In 1425, Henry V was victorious at the Battle of Agincourt. It was then that St. George became the official patron saint of England. The red cross of St. George adorns Britain's national flag, and forms part of the Union Jack.

St. George's powers are used in the Middle East to cast out demons and in many other countries St. George's Day heralds the beginning of summer. He is classed as the guardian of animals in Lithuania and in some countries is associated with fertility. In Spain, St. George's Day includes many festivities, including the giving of gifts and the eating of feasts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary M. Alward is a contributing writer for sites such as Online Discount Mart. Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article.


 
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Dragon Boat In A Nutshell...

Resources on Dragon Boat
Before a dragon boat may enter competition, it must first undergo a ceremony to "bring it to life." Local leaders officiate over the ceremony, held on the first day of the fifth lunar month, offering prayer to the Daffodil King and the eyes of the dragon are painted on the boat. On the fifth day of the month, the boats are carried to the shore amidst the clamor of gongs and drums and a ceremony is held involving incense, prayers, and the lighting of fireworks. Finally, after thorough inspection, the boats enter the water for the competition.
The traditional food for the Dragon Boat Festival, Zong zi is a glutinous rice ball, with a filling, wrapped in corn leaves. The fillings can be egg, beans, dates, fruits, sweet potato, walnuts, mushrooms, meat, or a combination of them. They are generally steamed.
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