The Dragon Boat Race is perhaps one of the only timeless coordinated sports in the world. Traditionally the race china is called Duan Wu Jie, but it modern day, it’s known globally as the Chinese Dragon Boat Race.
The appeal of this race in China is its meaning behind the race. The following of the lunar calendar sets the date for this race each year in China. However, there are those who consider this boat race merely a sport and therefore plan it at different times of the year rather than what is customary in China.
Legend has it that the Chinese Boat Race commemorates and coincides with the death of scholar and poet Qu Yuan. The boat races were a means to pay tribute to an inspirational man in Chinese history.
The historical records however show us that the sport was actually developed before the time of the poet. There are many suggestions regarding the development of the sport but the more interesting element is to see how the sport gradually evolved into what it has become today .Interesting enough ancient records reveal that the boat race itself was already being practiced long before the Poet’s era. There certainly have been many modifications that have grown from the original races of ancient times. It’s not surprising that it has become a globally accepted sport.
In the good old days dragon boat racing was full of fierce competition. The race actually bared resemblance with the modern day video game road rash where you thrash your opponents in a race using all sorts of weapons. The opposing teams in the dragon boat race would use bamboo sticks to knock each other of. They would also shower each other with stones with the aim of throwing over their opponents into the water.
Similar to tug of war, the last man or rather team standing would be acknowledged as the winner. No aid was given to the losing team and they were left to their own devices. The Chinese believed it was the dragon’s wishes that led to the destiny of each participant during this race.
Certainly the race has evolved into a more passive sport which appeals to not only the Chinese but many people around the world. The ornate image of the dragons head on the boats has remained steadfast throughout history as have the way they flow on rivers, lakes and other bodies of water.
The traditional design of the dragon boat features a long and narrow body. This body is decked with a team of paddlers that row the boat across the water ways. The front of the dragon boat features the head of a dragon with the rear end featuring a tail. Seeing a number of dragon boats with their paddlers working hard to get ahead of their opponents is quite a unique sight.
For many years the dragon race has had world wide appeal and is no longer exclusive to the Chinese people. Transformed from its orginal intent of being an aggressive battle, it is now enjoyed and appreciated for the lively and spirited rivalry that it has become.
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