The Dragon Boats origin in Chinese tradition goes back 2,300 years. Qu Yuan was a Chinese poet and minister, during the Warring States period of ancient China. He is known for his patriotism and as a loved poet. Qu Yuan waded into the river holding a rock in order to commit ritual suicide, as a protest against the corruption of the era, and the misery of his fellow countrymen. Villagers rushed to save him, racing their boats to the middle of the river, but were too late. In order to keep the dragon and evil spirits away, they beat drums, splashed the water with their paddles, and threw rice, both as a food offering to Qu Yuan’s spirit and also to satiate the dragon. Racing to search for his body in boats became a cultural tradition, with annual Dragon Boats Festivals. Click here for the Tel Aviv Dragon Festival.