Do We Need to Eat Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings) on Dragon Boat Festival? Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival in China, is a traditional holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. One of the most iconic customs is to eat zongzi, a pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, which are believed to commemorate the great poet Qu Yuan who drowned himself in the Miluo River. However, is it essential to eat zongzi on Dragon Boat Festival? The answer is no. While zongzi has become synonymous with the festival, it is not mandatory to consume them. The significance of the festival lies in remembering the legend of Qu Yuan and observing Chinese traditions and cultural heritage. Moreover, different regions in China have their own unique customs and delicacies to celebrate the festival. For example, people in southern China may eat zongzi, while in the northern regions, they may eat wheat dumplings called guandu.Besides, there are many other activities related to Dragon Boat Festival, including dragon boat races, hanging aromatic bags of herbs, wearing five-color silken threads, and playing shuttlecock. Nonetheless, zongzi remains a popular and delicious food that many people enjoy during the festival. The fillings and wrapping styles vary from one region to another, adding to the culinary diversity of the country. Some common fillings include pork, bean paste, salted egg yolks, chestnuts, and mushrooms, to name a few. In conclusion, although zongzi has become a symbol of Dragon Boat Festival, it is not necessary to consume them during the festival. Rather, the holiday is about commemorating Qu Yuan, promoting cultural exchange, and preserving traditional customs. Whether you prefer to eat zongzi, guandu, or other delicacies, what matters most is to cherish and pass on the cultural heritage to the next generation.