The Day When A Poet Died

Long long time ago, there was a well respected poet.  Unfortunately, due to the pressure of war, he was being acused of treason and was banished from the dynasty.  A person born of royal descendants, he was unable to accept the defeat despite his warning of the alliance with the enemy.  In despair, he committed suicide by jumping into the river.  This was on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, 278 BCE.

In memory of Qu Yuan, the great poet, chinese around the world commemorate this day by feasting on the zongzi.

Zongzi, uncook

Preparation of zongzi

Main ingredient, Glutinous Rice

Zongzi, cooked and ready to eat

Why we feast on zongzi?  'Coz the people love the poet.  During that sad day, the local people were throwing lumps of rice into the river to feed the fishes, in hope they will not eat the poet's body.  Hence, the zongzi is a symbol in memory of that day.

So, this year's annual celebration falls on Monday, i.e. 6 June.  It is not a norm for Cincau's family to prepare this dish.  In fact, we are still experimenting and this is only our 2nd attempt.  Credits must be given to Cincau's elder sis, as she was determine enough to prepare the ingredients.  And I get to enjoy the fruit of her labour..... hee hee.  Thanks sis..... muah!

Mmm.... yummy!! 

There's more, in order to retrieve the poet's body, the local people were paddling on boats in search of the never found body.  Hence, this day is also being commemorated with the infamous Chinese Dragon Boat Race.  

Dragon Boat Race in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

The above image was extracted from the 26th Sabah Dragon Boat Race official website.  This year's race will be held from 18th - 19th June.  Besides our local hunkies, participants from other countries will also take part in this team effort event.

Hmm, what else?  Yes, holidays.  Only in Hong Kong and China.

Happy Duanwu Festival.