What is Dragon Boat Racing?
Dragon Boating is a unique kind of boat racing. A dragon boat team consists of 20 paddlers sitting two abreast, a cox who steers the dragon boat (the steerer) from the rear and a drummer who sits at the front. The boat itself is 46 feet long and will go as fast as you can paddle! The team of paddlers work in unison to propel the boat forward from a standing start, the aim being to reach the finish line in the fastest time.
What are the origins of Dragon Boat Racing?
According to legend, Dragon Boat racing originated in China more than 2,300 years ago. Chinese history describes the fourth-century B.C. as a Warring States period, a time of shifting alliances and treachery.
The patriot and poet Qu Yuan championed political reform and truth as essential to a healthy state. The Kind, who had fallen under the influence of corrupt ministers, vanished his most loyal counselor, Qu Yuan, from the kingdom.
Left to wander the countryside, Qu Yuan composed some of China’s greatest poetry expressing his fervent love and loyalty for his country, and his deep concern for its future. Upon learning of his kingdom’s devastation at the hands of a rival kingdom in 277 B.B., Qu Yuan threw himself into the Mei Lo River.
The people loved Qu Yuan. They raced out in their fishing boats to the middle of the river in a vain attempt to save him. They beat on drums and splashed their oars in the water, trying to keep the fish from his body and ward off evil spirits. To honor his soul and ensure it didn’t go hungry, they scattered rice into the water.
The popularity of Dragon Boat Races is primarily a form of amusement and fun, while also highlighting the history and culture of this colorful event. This activity has exploded in North America and across the world with an estimated 50 million participants in 67 countries. There are about 175,000 participants in the U.S. and 150+ recreational dragon boat clubs who regularly complete in festivals and championships.
How does the festival benefit our community?
The Bring Hope Dragon Boat Festival and Races is our annual event to support Bring Hope Now, Inc. We encourage all our business community to stand beside us to bring awareness to others that we protect and save our children, families and military!
Dragon Boating is a unique kind of boat racing. A dragon boat team consists of 20 paddlers sitting two abreast, a cox who steers the dragon boat (the steerer) from the rear and a drummer who sits at the front. The boat itself is 46 feet long and will go as fast as you can paddle! The team of paddlers work in unison to propel the boat forward from a standing start, the aim being to reach the finish line in the fastest time.
What are the origins of Dragon Boat Racing?
According to legend, Dragon Boat racing originated in China more than 2,300 years ago. Chinese history describes the fourth-century B.C. as a Warring States period, a time of shifting alliances and treachery.
The patriot and poet Qu Yuan championed political reform and truth as essential to a healthy state. The Kind, who had fallen under the influence of corrupt ministers, vanished his most loyal counselor, Qu Yuan, from the kingdom.
Left to wander the countryside, Qu Yuan composed some of China’s greatest poetry expressing his fervent love and loyalty for his country, and his deep concern for its future. Upon learning of his kingdom’s devastation at the hands of a rival kingdom in 277 B.B., Qu Yuan threw himself into the Mei Lo River.
The people loved Qu Yuan. They raced out in their fishing boats to the middle of the river in a vain attempt to save him. They beat on drums and splashed their oars in the water, trying to keep the fish from his body and ward off evil spirits. To honor his soul and ensure it didn’t go hungry, they scattered rice into the water.
The popularity of Dragon Boat Races is primarily a form of amusement and fun, while also highlighting the history and culture of this colorful event. This activity has exploded in North America and across the world with an estimated 50 million participants in 67 countries. There are about 175,000 participants in the U.S. and 150+ recreational dragon boat clubs who regularly complete in festivals and championships.
How does the festival benefit our community?
The Bring Hope Dragon Boat Festival and Races is our annual event to support Bring Hope Now, Inc. We encourage all our business community to stand beside us to bring awareness to others that we protect and save our children, families and military!