Dragon Boat Festival: A Vietnamese Twist on a Chinese Tradition

June 10 marks the celebration of this year's Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival. Recognized by UNESCO as the first Chinese festival on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, it’s a vibrant event that resonates far beyond the shores of the Chinese mainland.

While the festival has its roots in China, many other countries embrace the Dragon Boat Festival, each adding their unique flavor to the festivities.

Among them is Vietnam, where the festival takes on a distinctive form known as the pest-killing festival. According to Nguyen Thi Thanh Thanh, a Vietnamese vlogger living in China, the day is dedicated to eliminating insects harmful to crops, ensuring a bountiful harvest for the year ahead. \"On this day, everyone is mobilized to catch insects and eliminate species harmful to crops to pray for a good harvest,\" she explains.

In her latest video, Thanh Thanh dives deep into the origins and customs of the Dragon Boat Festival. She delights her audience by tasting zongzi, the delicious glutinous rice dumplings traditionally eaten during the festival, and donning scented sachets that add a fragrant touch to the celebrations.

Comparing the customs in the Chinese mainland and Vietnam, Thanh Thanh highlights the cultural exchange that enriches the festival. Whether it’s racing dragon boats, enjoying festive foods, or engaging in local traditions, the Dragon Boat Festival continues to bridge cultures and bring communities together.

As young people around the world seek to connect with their heritage and explore new traditions, the Dragon Boat Festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural celebration and adaptation.

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Does Vietnam also celebrate China's Dragon Boat Festival?

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