Dragon Boat Festival: Why Don't People in China Wish Each Other '快乐' (Kuàilè - Happy)?

The Tragic Origins of the Festival

The main reason lies in the historical origins and meaning of the Dragon Boat Festival. Unlike the Lunar New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival, which have a joyful and celebratory atmosphere, the Dragon Boat Festival is essentially a day of commemoration.

This festival is associated with the tragic story of the great patriotic poet Qu Yuan (屈原) during the Warring States period. He was a loyal official of the Chu State, wholeheartedly devoted to his country and its people. However, due to being framed by corrupt officials and losing the king's trust, he was exiled. Resentful and heartbroken upon witnessing the decline of his country, on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, he drowned himself in the Miluo River (汨罗江).

Moved by his loyalty and integrity, the local people carried out many activities to commemorate him, and these activities gradually became the customs of the Dragon Boat Festival that continue to this day:

• Dragon boat racing (赛龙舟): This originated from the people rowing boats out on the river to drive away fish and attempt to recover Qu Yuan's body. The sound of drums and shouting was meant to scare the fish away from his body.
• Eating zongzi (粽子 - Zongzi): Initially, people threw rice balls, and later zongzi, into the river so that the fish would eat them instead of the poet's body.

Therefore, the Dragon Boat Festival originally carries a solemn, commemorative, and somewhat tragic atmosphere. Using the word '快乐' (kuàilè), which means "happy, joyful," is considered not entirely appropriate for the spirit of commemorating a historical figure who died tragically.

The Appropriate Greeting: '端午安康' (Duānwǔ Ānkāng)

Instead of wishing "happiness," Chinese people tend to use the phrase "端午安康" (Duānwǔ Ānkāng).

The word '安康' (Ānkāng) means "An Khang," which translates to peace and health. This greeting conveys a wish for peace and well-being during the Dragon Boat Festival. This wish is not only more suitable for the commemorative atmosphere of the festival but also relates to another folk belief: the fifth lunar month was traditionally considered the "poisonous month," a time when seasons change and diseases are more likely to spread. Therefore, wishing each other "An Khang" is also a way to wish for good fortune and health to get through this period.

A Modern Perspective

However, it must be said that this "no happy wishes" notion is not absolute and is gradually changing in modern society.

For the younger generation, the Dragon Boat Festival is also a public holiday, an occasion for family reunions, gatherings with friends, enjoying delicious food, and watching exciting dragon boat races. The festival has taken on additional cultural and entertainment meanings. Consequently, saying "端午节快乐" has become more common and widely accepted, especially in commercial messages or casual communication among young friends.

Nevertheless, understanding and using the greeting "端午安康" is still highly appreciated, as it demonstrates subtlety, respect, and a deep understanding of the long-standing cultural significance of this important festival.