Why take a dragon bath during the Dragon Boat Festival?

It's another year of Dragon Boat Festival. Hainan Island, located at the southernmost tip of the motherland, while eating zongzi and racing dragon boats, uses the unique way of "washing dragon water" to pin on the thoughts of the great poet Qu Yuan.

Qu Yuan, who died in the water, is the embodiment of justice in the hearts of Hainan people. Because he loves Qu Yuan, the water on this day has also become auspicious water, which can ward off evil spirits. Some people think that Qu Yuan became a dragon after he threw himself into the river. Every year before noon 12 o'clock on the Dragon Boat Festival, "washing the dragon water" means bathing with the dragon god.

Due to the hot weather in Hainan, in ancient times, people often bought some calamus and willows to soak in water before the Dragon Boat Festival to clear away heat and detoxify. As time goes by, the custom of "washing dragon water" has also changed. Nowadays, people think that as long as they take a bath on the Dragon Boat Festival, they all count as "washing dragon water". There are also various places and ways to "wash dragon water". People by the sea wash in the sea, people by the river wash in the river, and wash at home, not relying on rivers, lakes and seas. In recent years, Haikou citizens go to the citizens' beach to "wash the dragon water", which becomes a spectacular scenery every year.

"washing dragon water" has pinned the wish of Hainan people to pray for health and safety. Hainan people believe that "washing dragon water" can wash away diseases and bad luck and keep fit. Children who have washed "Dragon Water" will be healthy and safe for one year. For this reason, this festival has become the most distinctive and enduring folk custom for Hainan people to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival.