Origin of Guangyuan Phoenix Festival
In the early stage of warring states, there were the existence of dragon boat and phoenix boat. The boat, which was seated by emperor, was called the dragon boat; while the one, seated by the empress, was called phoenix boat. Those vehicles were the transportation for the novels, not as water competition tools. Of all the major holidays celebrated in China, Dragon Boat Festival and Phoenix Boat Festival have the longest history. Occurring at the beginning of summer when insects thrive, the festival was distinguished from other occasions in earlier days as a time for reminding family members to take care of their health. The Chinese continue to heed this wisdom, however, by replacing the traditional customs of hanging calamus and moxa, drinking hsiung huang wine, and giving sachets, with more advanced methods for protecting one's health. Guangyuan Phoenix Boat Festival originated in Tang Dynasty, which is to memorize the only female king in our county-Wu Zetian.
