As the Dragon Boat Festival returns this year, do you still remember the patriotic poet Qu Yuan?

Qu Yuan, a minister of the State of Chu, was renowned for his integrity and steadfast principles.

Qu Yuan (Minister of the State of Chu): Your Majesty, the State of Chu must not make peace!

Court Official: As soon as His Majesty finds out that Qu Yuan has secretly colluded with the State of Qin, exile will be his fate.

The King of Chu flew into a rage. Accused of treason, Qu Yuan was exiled. Though exiled, Qu Yuan continued to love his people as if they were his own children.

Before long, Qin invaded and conquered Chu, bringing the kingdom to its downfall. As he watched his beloved homeland fall and his people suffer, Qu Yuan was overcome with grief.

On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, Qu Yuan cast himself into the Miluo River, sacrificing his spirit in honour of his country and its people. Heartbroken, the people of Chu searched the river for Qu Yuan’s body. To keep fish from disturbing his remains, they threw rice dumplings into the river.

The Dragon Boat Festival is more than a tradition. It is a lasting tribute to integrity and moral courage.