In some parts of China, it's essential to hang some herbs at the door during the Dragon Boat Festival.
The sword-shaped calamus is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Xionghuang Wine is used for the same purpose. It's rice wine mixed with an arsenic compound, effective for keep away insects and snakes. Parents would brush it onto the foreheads of their children as a blessing for wholesome growth.
The fifth day on the fifth month on the lunar calendar is named after its essential sport: racing dragon boats. According to tradition, people paddled out on boats, to scare the fish away feeding on Qu Yuan's body. There's no explanation of who Qu Yuan is.
Every May along the Mohe River in the Pearl River Delta region, a fierce dragon boat race takes place to thunderous drumming on the the banks. Entertainment or competition, it's a loud and clear commemoration for one of China's most famous poets.
(CCTV May 27, 2009)
