Preparing for the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is just around the corner, and my family has already started preparing for this special day. Every year, we celebrate it with traditional customs, making the festival lively and meaningful.
A few days before the festival, my mother and grandmother began making zongzi, the most important food for this occasion. They soaked glutinous rice and bamboo leaves in water, then carefully wrapped the rice with fillings like red beans, pork, or salted egg yolks. The sweet smell of steaming zongzi filled our kitchen, making me even more excited for the festival.
Besides cooking, we also cleaned the house thoroughly. My father said it was a way to drive away bad luck and welcome good fortune. Meanwhile, my little sister and I helped hang up mugwort leaves and calamus on the door. According to tradition, these plants can ward off evil spirits and diseases.
On the day of the festival, we planned to watch the dragon boat races near the river. The energetic drumbeats and the rowers’ teamwork always make the event thrilling. After that, we would enjoy the zongzi together and share stories about Qu Yuan, the great poet who inspired this festival.
Preparing for the Dragon Boat Festival not only brings joy but also strengthens our family bonds. I can’t wait to celebrate it with my loved ones!