Explore traditional dragon boat customs in Lingnan region

Recently, the fourth season of the popular documentary A Bite of China has been airing on CCTV. Its sixth episode showcases the Dragon Boat Festival tradition of "Awakening the Dragon" in Wenchong village, Huangpu district, reviving a tradition that has prevailed in the Lingnan region for over 300 years.

Dragon boat racing is extremely important in the Lingnan region. Due to the humid climate, villagers sink the dragon boats into the river and wrap them with river mud to isolate them from the air, ensuring they remain sturdy even after centuries.

"Awakening the Dragon" ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: gzhpfb]

On the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival, Wenchong village holds an "Awakening the Dragon" ceremony. During this ceremony, villagers collectively dig out and clean the dragon boat from the water, preparing it for the boat race. Accompanied by lively drumbeats, the dragon boat gradually emerges from the water as villagers work together to scoop out the mud and water from the ship.

The villager places the dragon head and tail in the ancestral hall for worship. [Photo/WeChat account: gzhpfb]

On that day, the villagers of Wenchong village also painted the hat of the dragon boat, which has been passed down since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), red. After decoration and repairs, the dragon boat will tour various villages.

Even in urban areas, traditional customs such as dragon boat racing and eating dragon boat rice during the Dragon Boat Festival in the Lingnan region are still deeply loved by people.

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