Legendary Poet,Qu Yuan

Source:lbdragonboat

One of the most well-known mythical festivals celebrated by the Chinese in Singapore is the Dumpling Festival, which is also known as 'Duan Wu Jie' or Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore. It commemorates the death of a legendary Chinese saint, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in a protest against the corrupted government during his time. It falls on the 5th day on the 5th month of the Chinese calendar (Around early to mid June in the solar calendar).

Interested to know more about the origins of this day?
You may like to visit this useful Website for more information.

During this period of time, it is customary for us Chinese to celebrate this festival by eating traditional Chinese food. If you happen to be in Singapore; you will definitely spot Singaporeans eating different flavours of rice dumplings, fondly known as 'Bak Chang' by Hokkiens. In fact this custom of eating rice dumplings is now popular in North and South Korea, Japan and Southeast Asian nations. Rice dumplings are also traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat festival.

Dragon Boat Race

Source:James Mok's Soliloquy

The Singapore Dragon Boat Festival (SBDF) 2008 was the most anticipated event in the Dragon Boat calendar. Held on 28 and 29 June, this year's festival was at Bedok Reservoir. My family and I had made a trip down and sitting under the scorching sun watching the dragon boat race while munching on the ambrosial dumpling was, in my opinion, worth every minute. With thousands of participants, everyone was in high spirits and looking forward to the races with eager anticipation. I was at the edge of my seat as the boats took off from the starting line. During the race, the tough conditions did not seem to dampen the strong fighting spirits displayed by the racers in all of the teams. Their spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, fair play and camaraderie was remarkable to the audience and Nanyang Technological University emerged victorious with the coveted title.

Dumpling Making

Source:Charleswanmushi

This festival never fails to leave me in a tinge of nostalgia and reminiscence of the cherished memories of my childhood. Forever etched in my heart is the memory of seeing my grandma in a frenzied rush to-and-fro the sundry shops, getting all the ingredients necessary for making her delicious rice dumplings. Thereafter, armed with her secret recipe, she will then start stuffing the glutinous rice with different fillings and wrapping them up in fragrant bamboo leaves. These dumplings are then cooked by steaming or boiling. The aromas of freshly-made dumplings made them simply irresistible. There are many different types of dumplings and my favourite is the Delicious Nonya Dumpling, a speciality of Peranakan Cuisine. Just thinking about the exquisite taste of these homemade dumplings made my taste buds come alive.

Different types of Rice Dumpling

Source:Flickr Photo

Want to know what are the difference types of rice dumpling available in Singapore? Click here

Interested in sampling the traditional and unique taste of rice dumplings? They are now available at island-wide roadside stalls and though not homemade, be rest assured that the authenticity and flavour are still retained. If you are, however, interested to know the techniques of making them, do have a look at this Youtube video: Sticky Rice Dumpling, Zongzi, to find out more.

Mouth-watering Rice Dumpling

Source:Jasonmumbles

I will recommend you to eat them while watching the SBDF for your own unique experience. Now equipped with your new found knowledge of the origins of the Dumpling Festival, I am sure you wouldn't want to miss this opportunity to have your own experience of the special way Singaporeans celebrate this festival. You will definitely be engrossed and inspired by the spirited dragon boaters.
Planning to visit Singapore around early to mid June? Don't miss this colourful festival in memory of the Chinese poet and statesman, Qu Yuan, and the opportunity to sample the flavourful rice dumplings in their sweet and savoury forms. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.