This children’s article, Dragon boats, sticky rice, and ancient stories, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children practise reading and comprehension, learn exciting vocabulary, and explore the history and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What is the Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival is a very old celebration that happens every year in China and other parts of the world. Some people get together to watch or take part in exciting dragon boat races. Others make a special rice snack that has an interesting history.
Why did it start?
The festival began more than 2,000 years ago in ancient China. It began as a way to remember a famous poet and hero called Qu Yuan. He was a man who loved his country very much, but after seeing his kingdom taken over by one of its enemies, he was so sad that he jumped into a river.
People raced out in boats to try to rescue him, but they couldn’t find him. To keep the fish away, they threw balls of sticky rice into the river.
How do people celebrate it?
Rivers and lakes all over China fill up with dragon boats ready to race. The dragon boats are long and colourful, often painted with scales, and they have a dragon’s head at the front. Each one is powered by a team of around 20 paddlers, all racing to the beat of a drum as they zoom through the water!
Besides the boat races, families eat special sticky rice dumplings called zongzi. These are wrapped in bamboo leaves and taste sweet or savoury. Many people also hang colourful decorations, wear perfume pouches, and watch traditional music and dance.
More than just a race
Whether you’re cheering from the riverbank or watching online, the Dragon Boat Festival is full of colour, culture and excitement. With ancient traditions, tasty treats and thrilling races, it’s a celebration that brings people together across China and in other parts of the world too.
Learn more about the Dragon Boat Festival in this detailed article – The History and Modern Practice of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Article vocabulary list
- Dragon boat – A long, narrow boat decorated to look like a dragon
- Paddle – To move a boat through water using a flat tool called a paddle
- Poet – A person who writes poems
- Hero – Someone who is brave and admired
- Sticky rice dumpling (zongzi) – A special food made from rice wrapped in leaves, eaten during the festival
- Savoury – Food that is salty or spicy, not sweet
- Drummer – A person who plays the drum to help keep a beat
- Steer – To guide or control the direction of a boat or vehicle
Comprehension questions
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1. What do people do in the Dragon Boat Festival?
A) Watch dragon dances
B) Race dragon-shaped boats
C) Fly kites
Answer: B) Race dragon-shaped boats
2. Who is remembered during the festival?
A) A famous singer
B) A poet called Qu Yuan
C) A great emperor
Answer: B) A poet called Qu Yuan
3. What food do families eat during the festival?
A) Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings)
B) Ice cream
C) Pizza
Answer: A) Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings)
4. What is the drummer’s job on the dragon boat?
A) To row the boat
B) To steer the boat
C) To keep the rowing rhythm
Answer: C) To keep the rowing rhythm
5. How many people can be in one dragon boat?
A) 5
B) 20
C) 50
Answer: B. 20
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
