The Dragon Boat Festival traces its origins back to China's Warring States Period (403-221 B.C.) and the tragedy of the famous poet and statesman Chu Yuan. Chu was a loyal official that was slandered by his political opponents and eventually banished from court. Dejected and broken in spirit, he took his life by jumping into the Milo River. When the people heard the news, they rowed out to the place where Chu had drowned and tossed rice dumplings into the water to distract the fish from eating his body. Today the occasion is remembered by eating rice dumplings and holding dragon boat races. Other customs include hanging moxa branches and wearing fragrant sachets to dispel evil spirits. It is also said that anyone who can balance an egg on its end exactly at noon on this day will enjoy a lucky and prosperous year.

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