Lianxi to shine at upcoming dragon boat race

In order to start preparations for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday, which will last from June 22 to 24 this year, a traditional "dragon lifting" ceremony was recently held in Lianxi village, Huangge town, local media outlets reported on May 27.

At the ceremony, the villagers made offerings to the gods, such as rice dumplings, apples and whole-roasted pigs. It is said that these offerings will bring luck and safety, as well as favorable weather conditions and victory during the dragon boat races.

After making offerings, around 20 villagers walked down into the river to dig out the two dragon boats that have been buried in the mud for four years. These boats are made of belian wood, which improves in quality and durability the longer it is buried in the mud.

Dragon boat racing is a traditional Chinese sport that involves a team synchronously rowing a long boat. It is an essential part of the Dragon Boat Festival in China, especially in Guangdong province and the other southern regions.

Since its introduction to other countries, it has become widely popular and has even evolved into an international competition that is embraced by people from various cultural backgrounds.

The villagers dig out the boat. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

The roast pig is offered at the ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]