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May28

Dragon Boat Festival – Create Your Own Five Colour Threads Bracelet Workshop

When:
Where:DA Aldgate Centre
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of China’s most cherished holidays, celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This ancient festival is steeped in history and culture, known for its exciting dragon boat races, eating traditional food zongzi and weaving colour bracelet. Come join us to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival by creating your very own five color threads bracelet in this festive workshop.

Event Invitation

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of China’s most cherished holidays, celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This ancient festival is steeped in history and culture, known for its exciting dragon boat races and eating traditional food zongzi. These races honour the spirit of unity and commemorate the legendary poet Qu Yuan, whose devotion and sacrifice have inspired generations.

Another tradition is wearing five-colored threads bracelet, symbolizing protection and blessings. These threads—red, yellow, blue, white, and green—represent the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) in Chinese philosophy and are believed to ward off misfortune and bring good luck. Families often tie these threads on children’s wrists or ankles, imbuing them with wishes for health and harmony.

In this workshop, you’ll learn the stories behind the Dragon Boat Festival and create your own bracelet using traditional materials. At the end of the workshop, you can take home a meaningful keepsake that embodies the spirit of the festival.

Details of the event
  • 28th May
  • Time: 6:00pm
  • Where:  DA Aldgate Centre
  • Who: All are welcome! 
  •   £30 – book your tickets if you are not one of our current students. Students – please send RSVP.
  • What is included: all the materials and take home your own handmade bracelet
  • What to bring:  everything will be provided
If you are a Dear Asia Student
You must be a current student to attend the event free(required)

Cultural introduction

The Dragon Boat Festival, 端午节 in Chinese, is a vibrant and historic celebration held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. With roots dating back over 2,000 years, the festival is a time to honor cultural heritage, enjoy festive customs, and reflect on themes of loyalty and community.

One of the most iconic traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival is the thrilling dragon boat races. In these races, teams of paddlers row long, brightly painted boats shaped like dragons to the beat of rhythmic drumming. This tradition is said to commemorate the heroic poet Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States period. According to legend, Qu Yuan, a loyal minister, drowned himself in the Miluo River as an act of protest against political corruption. Villagers raced their boats to save him and threw rice into the river to distract fish from his body. Over time, this act evolved into the dragon boat races and the custom of eating zongzi, glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, which remain a beloved festival food today.