Dragon Boat Festival – USB Flash Drive Impact
The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival is a significant cultural holiday that celebrates the life of the great poet Ou Yuan.
Qu Yuan was a minister to the Zhou emperor during the Warring States Period (475 - 221 BC). He was renowned for his opposition to the corruption that was rife in the Imperial Court.
Ou Yuan’s views were popular and he became a great success but it was his success that led to his downfall. His fellow ministers became jealous and plotted against him, they convinced the emperor that Qu Yuan was a traitor and he was exiled to his hometown.
Whilst in exile Qu Yuan collected great stories, legends and folk tales, and wrote poetry. Throughout this period he remained a strong patriot and never lost his love for his emperor. On the 5th May, 278 BC he was distraught to hear that the emperor had been overthrown by Qin warriors- in a fit of despair Ou Yuan committed suicide by throwing himself into the Miluo river.
The local townspeople, hearing of Qu Yuan’s fate, rushed to their boats to try to save him. He was much loved and out of respect they tried to prevent the fish from eating his body by throwing rice dumplings into the water and beating their drums to keep evil spirits away.
To this day, eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats celebrate the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. In 2011 The Dragon Boat Festival falls on the 6th June with celebrations lasting around 3 days in total.
Branded USB Flash DrivesOur factory is closed on Monday 6th June so any new orders for branded USB flash drives between now and the 7th June may be subject to a very small delay. If you need your flash drives urgently just give us a call and we’ll talk you through the options.