The Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the 5th of the 5th lunar month, is one of the most important traditional holidays for Vietnamese people and is associated with many unique folk customs.
Among these, eating duck meat on the Dragon Boat Festival is a common practice in many regions, especially in the South. Why has duck meat become a part of this festive meal? Here are three main reasons explaining this interesting custom based on folk beliefs and traditional medicine.
The Dragon Boat Festival 2025 falls on Saturday, the 5th of the 5th lunar month, which is the 31st of May in the Gregorian calendar. During this holiday, many Vietnamese families maintain the tradition of eating duck meat – a delicious dish that also carries significance for health, culture, and spirituality. In some regions, duck meat is considered indispensable for the Dragon Boat Festival feast.
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Festival for Killing Insects, is when people perform rituals to purify their bodies, ward off evil, and pray for health and peace throughout the year. There are three main reasons why eating duck meat on the 5th of the 5th lunar month has become a custom:
1. Cooling and Detoxifying Properties according to Traditional Beliefs
In traditional Oriental medicine, duck meat is believed to have cooling properties, a sweet taste, and the ability to nourish the yin and detoxify the body. As the Dragon Boat Festival occurs during the hottest period of summer, our bodies are more prone to heatstroke, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses. Therefore, consuming duck meat during this time not only provides nourishment but also helps cool down the body and prevent certain summer ailments.
2. Spiritual Significance – Suppressing Negative Forces
According to folk beliefs, the word for “duck” in Chinese sounds similar to the word for “suppress.” The Dragon Boat Festival is a time when yang energy reaches its peak, and negative forces are also at their strongest. Therefore, eating duck meat is seen as an act of dispelling bad luck and bringing peace and good fortune to the family for the remainder of the year.
3. Seasonal Availability, Flavor, and Ease of Preparation
The Dragon Boat Festival coincides with the time when farmers harvest the first rice crop of the year. The ducks that have been reared in the fields during the farming season are now at their most flavorful – the meat is firm, fatty, aromatic, and less gamey. Additionally, duck meat is more affordable during this period, making it a popular choice for families to prepare dishes such as boiled duck, roasted duck, or duck with bamboo shoots and rice vermicelli, creating a heartwarming and celebratory atmosphere to mark a bountiful harvest.
Can Duck Meat Replace Chicken for Ancestral Worship on the Dragon Boat Festival?
Although duck meat is commonly consumed during the Dragon Boat Festival (5th of the 5th lunar month), it is rarely used for ancestral worship in traditional culture. The primary reason is that ducks do not possess the symbolic qualities of solemnity and majesty associated with roosters, which are typically chosen for major ceremonial offerings.
Moreover, duck meat tends to have a distinct gamey odor that is more challenging to eliminate compared to chicken. The image of a waddling duck and its distinctive call do not align with the sacred and solemn atmosphere of the ancestral altar. Consequently, while duck meat may be enjoyed during family gatherings, it is not the preferred choice for the Dragon Boat Festival ancestral offerings.
Typically, families offer fruits, cakes, glutinous rice wine, and other symbolic foods to their ancestors during the Dragon Boat Festival. These offerings represent the purification of the body and the expulsion of negative forces. A savory dish is not necessary for the ritual, but if included, it is usually boiled chicken, eggs, or other lighter options rather than duck meat.
The Carp Transforms into a Dragon: Unlocking the Secrets to Wealth and Success.
“For these four Chinese zodiac signs, luck and prosperity are just around the corner. After the 5th of May on the lunar calendar, these signs will experience a surge of good fortune, with abundant opportunities for financial success and a swift ascent to a life of luxury.”
Ancestral Reminder: Dragon Boat Festival Superstitions – Performing This One Task Brings Good Fortune and Drives Away Evil
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Double Fifth Festival, is a traditional holiday originating in China and celebrated in several East Asian countries. It occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar and is marked by a series of cultural and culinary traditions. The festival holds a significant place in the hearts of many, serving as a reminder of the importance of pest and evil spirit eradication, health, and community.
The Japanese Always Design Separate Bathrooms and Toilets: A Design Philosophy That’s Worth Emulating
The separation of bathroom and toilet areas can solve a multitude of design dilemmas. Let’s explore this intriguing design concept and uncover the benefits it can bring to your home.
The Secret to Wealth: Unveiling the Left-Side Flower Arrangement on Ancestral Altars
The vase is an essential item on the altar when burning incense, but not everyone understands the correct placement to attract wealth and maintain solemnity. With a few simple tips, you can ensure your vase is positioned for optimal feng shui.
The Ancient’s Advice: The Two Magic Words to Invoke Your Ancestors’ Blessings
The act of lighting incense is a simple yet profound ritual with deep cultural significance. Our ancestors believed that saying two sacred words while paying homage to our forefathers would ensure their blessings and protection. But what are these two enigmatic words?
