Dragon Boat is originated in China more than 2,500 years ago.
In Chinese tradition, dragon boat racing celebrates the summer rice harvest
and serves as a memorial ceremony of a suicidal drowning folk hero, Qu Yuan.
Qu Yuan committed suicide in 221 BC as a form of protest against the corruption of the era.
Upon learning of Qu Yuan's suicide, people rushed their fishing boats
to the middle of the river and tried to save him.
They beat drums and splashed the water with their paddles
in order to keep fish away from Qu Yuan's body.
Nowadays the dragon boat racing has become an international sport in Hong Kong.
This very narrow shaped wooden boat is powered by around 20 crew members with paddles.
Posted on 17 December 2008
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