The Chinese Association of Columbia will present a special event on June 9, 2013 to celebrate the Duanwu Festival, a traditional festival in China that honors the life and art of poet QuYuan. The event will include a presentation by scholar Yong Mu, presentations by students from Dreher High School and the Columbia Academy of Chinese Language, a picnic lunch, and boating. SC Humanities supported this program with a Mini Grant in April 2013.
The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Double Fifth Festival, originated in ancient China more than two thousand years ago. The festival commemorates the death of poet Qu Yuan (c. 340 – 278 BCE) who is thought to be the first poet in China to have his name associated with his verses. His life is celebrated not only for the originality of his poetry but also for his patriotism. The traditional Duanwu Festival includes eating jongzi and participating in boat races.
On June 9, 2013, the Chinese Association of Columbia will bring this unique festival to the Columbia community by hosting a fun and educational event at Saluda Shoals Park at 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Scholar Yong Mu of the Confucius Institute at the University of South Carolina will lecture about the history of the festival and the importance of Qu Yuan to Chinese poetry. Additionally, students from Dreher High School and the Columbia Academy of Chinese Language will give presentations and readings of Qu Yuan’s poetry. The presentations will be followed by a picnic lunch. Participants are encouraged to bring their own food to the picnic, and those who wish to eat the traditional festival food of jongzi prepared by the Chinese Association of Columbia should be prepared to pay $5.
For more information about the Duanwu Festival, please contact the Chinese Association of Columbia at 803-210-6575.
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