Dragon boating commemorates the life and death of Chinese patriot and poet Qu Yuan, who lived from 340 to 278 B.C. Qu Yuan found himself out of the good graces of the king, who refused to listen to Qu Yuan's advice on reforms in his home state of Chu. Banished from his home, he wandered the countryside, writing poetry about his home and its people. Upon learning that his home had been invaded, he threw himself into the Mi Lo River in despair.

Hearing the news, his devoted followers rushed to the river to search for him. Although they were unable to save him, they splashed wildly to scare the fish and keep them from devouring his body, and threw rice wrapped in reed leaves (zung-ge) into the water to distract the fish and to act as a sacrifice to his spirit.

Dragon boating also pays tribute to the dragon, of which the Chinese believe they are descendents. The dragon controls water for the crops, and this holiday serves as an opportunity to stay in the good graces of the dragon and ensure plenty of water for the growing season.

The festival is traditionally held on the fifth day of the fifth moon on the lunar calendar, which falls in late May to mid-June on the solar calendar.