Monday, August 6, 2012

In Hawaiian waters dragon boat race

Each summer, dragons everywhere in the world slip into calm waters outside Ala Moana Beach Park. They are not the type of fire breathing, however. These dragons are in the form of canoe long boats which originated in China and have their way in the world, in places like Colorado, since the New Zealand and Hawaii.

Dragon Boat Festival

Indent of dragons in the waters off the coast of Ala Moana Beach Park.

Dragon boating date back more than 2,000 years ago and began as a way of protecting Chinese fishing communities and ensure their future prosperity. A festival arrives on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, but Hawaii celebrated in July.  Traditionally called Duan Wu Jie (Mandarin) or Tuen Ng (Cantonese), the festivals have become so popular that they are now called simply the Dragon Boat Festival.

This year marks the year of the Dragon. The Honolulu festival includes more than 40 teams of ship dragon, including the visit of the Canada, the Australia and the New Zealand. Each team is composed of 16 paddlers, a drummer and a receiver for flag and the helmsman. A traditional feast includes rice, wine, colorful dances and Fireworks, version of Hawaii took a more sporting approach but is always very relaxed. In addition to the pleasure craft navigation, Hawaii families can participate in beach volleyball and futsal (a type of football) as well.

Hawaii Chinese Dragon Boat Festival began in 1996 after the former Mayor of Honolulu Jeremy Harris visited Taipei and thought that it would be a good idea to shopping here. Having grown up in a family of Chinese-mixing, I learned that the Sun, like the Chinese dragon, represent the male energy. The Moon represents female energy. This is why the summer solstice is considered the height of the male energy.

Photo credit: City and County of Honolulu

Posted by Alyssa s. Navares Follow me on Twitter @ Uamalie87

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher publishes the Blog of Hawaii vacation and vacation Hawaii connection Podcast, create daily content on Hawaii travel and tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing information on Hawaii targeting travelers seven days a week. Postings reflect the Islands Hawaiian, their culture and their way of life as accurately and completely as possible.

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August 1, 2012

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