In Memory of the Patriotic Poet

"He walked into the river a frustrated and depressed man, enraged by the corruption at court and his helplessness in correcting the situation. Qu Yuan, patriot, poet and exiled minister of the Chu State during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), marked the fall of his country by committing suicide.

Before he died, he had walked among his people, collecting folklores, songs and odes. He also produced some great poetry reflecting his life and turbulent times.

Qu Yuan was much loved by the common folk, and they honored him by creating a festival around the anniversary of his death. They had row-boat contests, and they wrapped rice in bamboo leaves which they threw into the river - presumably so the water creatures would be distracted by the free food, and spare the poet's body."

                                                                                                         (Liu Xiongfei - China Culture Org.)

That was more than 2,000 years ago.  Today, we still commemorate Qu Yuan on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, though this year, the festival (which fell on 3rd June) almost went unnoticed here.  True, many outlets had rice dumplings for sale but the jubilant spirit that prevailed in the old days before Covid-19 came on the scene, seemed to be missing.  I too had forgotten to wash my face at 12 noon for good luck and good fortune! Making an egg stand on this day was also a challenge for us when we were kids.  We used to attempt this feat every year between the "special" hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The picture below was taken some years ago by my brother-in-law who I believe successfully did the feat. I also recall being told that balancing eggs at this time brings good luck.  I wonder how many people still remember these fun customs today.

An egg standing on the
fifth day of the fifth lunar moon.

Well, there's still next year to try your hand with the eggs, so until we meet up with the patriotic poet again, stay safe, stay optimistic - better days are coming!