The Origins of Eating Bacang
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The Origins of Eating Bacang
端午節 Duan Wu Jie is one of 3 Big Festivals which is commemorated by Chinese people. [2 other festivals are春節 Chun Jie (Festival for welcoming the Spring - Chinese New Year) &中秋節 Zhong Qiu Jie (Tiong Ciu Festival – in the middle of fall).]
Even though according to a legend there are 3 origins of Duan Wu Jie [ 2 other are to commemorate Devoted Princess曹娥 Chao E during East Han Dynasty era (A.D. 25 – 220) who was killed after jumped down to the river due to mourning for his father’s death& to commemorate the death day of伍子胥 Wu Zi Xu from Chu country who lived during Chun Qiu era (B.C. 770 – 476 SM) ], but the origins of a very well known Duan Wu Jie Festival & commemorated in China, Taiwan, etc are based on the death of Qu Yuan who passed away after jumped down to Mi Luo river. In Taiwan, Qu Yuan is also honored as Shui Xian Zhun Wang (the most Respectful Good of Water).
Duan Wu Jie {Twan Ngo Ciap} Festival or sometimes also called Peh Cunis is commemorated annually at Go Gwe Cwe Go (the 5th day of 5th month of Chinese Calendar). On the said day, Chinese people usually present bacang (Chinese delicacy made from rice or glutinous rice, wrapped in bamboo leaves, filled with meat and steamed) and kue cang for worship. Where does bacang originate? Duan Wu Jie Festival is to commemorate a holy figure Qu Yuan in which with his loyalty he sacrificed for people and country. It was told as follows:
Zhou Dynasty during battle era in China + 2,400 years ago (B.C. 475-221) divided into 7 (seven) Countries. Qin Country was the strongest and aggressive, often attacked (conduct military aggression) against other six countries. Qu Yuan was a Great and loyal Minister from Chu Country (one of six countries which was attacked by Qin Country). He was a figure who successfully united the six countries to confront aggression of Qin Country, so that his name was highly respected in Qin country.
Qu Yuan had ever hampered King Chu, Huai Wang to fulfill an invitation of King of Qin country to come to its capital city. But unfortunately King Chu Huai Wang, at that time, had been influenced by ram fight tactic from Qin Country, his relations with Qu Yuan broken and unwilling to trust his suggestion any longer.
Finally King Chu Huai Wang was deceived by the promises King Qin to come to its capital city, and then imprisoned there, until he finally died in Qin Country.
After King Xiang Wang took the throne to replace King Chu Huai Wang, he was not only thinking to revenge, even the other way making King Qin as his father! Moreover, there were some ministers who obtained advantages from Qin Country, unpredictably he in fact suggested King Chu Xiang Wang to surrender to Qin Country.
Qu Yuan tried to oppose this matter, debated with King Chu Xiang Wang so that it resulted in him angry very much, then dismissed Qu Yuan who had dedicated for years in Chu Country, and expelled him from Chu Country.
Qu Yuan who spent his life as an escapee for 9 years, has undergone tragic days in which his country was destroyed, and his family was broken, and finally committed suicide by jumping down into Mi Luo River (in Hu Nan Province). Some people who knew the incident tried to help him, but failed. Even his body was not found. Qu Yuan passed away in the 5th day of 5th month of Chinese Calendar in the age of 62 years.
Chu Country’s people grieved after they knew that Qu Yuan, their minister who loved his Country very much was dead, and then they went to the brink of the river expressing their deepest sympathies over the death of Qu Yuan.
Soon after, people in the country held a ceremony to commemorate Qu Yuan, considering that the spirit of love of country of Qu Yuan was really lofty.
After Qu Yuan jumped down to Mi Luo River, there was a person from Chu Country who met with the soul of Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan informed this person, people who honored Qu Yuan by throwing food into the river–all foods were all over being fought by fish & shrimps. Then Qu Yuan gave message to the said person to deliver to the public in order that the foods being offered to be wrapped with bamboo leaves & offered in the 5th day of the 5th month of Chinese Calendar 5. It is the origins of eating bacang in Duan Wu Jie Festival.
Since Qu Yuan had written so many articles similar to poem, to express the sense of respect and love of Qu Yuan to the Country, then in the 5th day of 5th month (Chine Calendar) also constituted Poet Festival in China.
Organization of Dragon Boat competition in Duan Wu Jie Festival, is to remind the effort to seek for body of Qu Yuan who jumped down into the river. Because, in addition to row a boat, it also beats a drum, able to expel fish and shrimp, then they could help Qu Yuan.
Nowadays, at the Duan Wu Festival, in many places are held Dragon Boat Competition, firstly to commemorate Qu Yuan, developing the spirit of love of Country; secondly to promote sports, then with health body is able to protect the Country. In addition to, one family gets together while eat bacang, can also enjoy family happiness.
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