The five-color rope consists of five colors: white, red, black, yellow, and blue (or green). These five colors are considered auspicious, so ancient people tied the five-color rope during the Dragon Boat Festival, symbolizing the hope for good luck and blessings. In addition to tying the five-color rope, the custom of hanging chili peppers and tiger shoes symbolizes the desire to stay away from evil, troubles, and diseases.
After wearing the five-color rope during the Dragon Boat Festival, it should be carefully protected and not easily broken or discarded. Even when washing hands or taking a bath, it should not be removed. It should be worn until the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It is said that this day is the birthday of "Qinyuama." On this day, you can remove the five-color rope and place it under a big stone. When it rains heavily at night, the rain will wash away the five-color rope, and eventually, it will turn into five-colored little snakes that carry away all misfortunes.
When should the Dragon Boat Festival five-color rope be thrown away?
It is said that the colored rope worn during the Dragon Boat Festival is not removed until the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the birthday of "Qinyuama." It is then burned together with the rope. In some areas, after the Dragon Boat Festival, the rope is taken off and thrown into a river during the first rain, allowing it to be carried away by the rainwater.
The Dragon Boat Festival five-color rope is also known as "longevity thread," "life continuation thread," "life continuation silk," "longevity thread," "longevity line," and is also called "hundred ropes," "protection against soldiers," and "five-color thread." Although the names vary, the form and function are basically the same. The five-color thread is worn on the left or right wrist depending on gender, and can be tied around the wrist or ankle. There is another saying that if a child is less than one year old, only a red thread is tied.
What is the weather like on the Dragon Boat Festival in 2023? Mainly depends on the region. The weather varies in different regions. Some areas may have clear skies, while others may have clouds, and some may experience rain. However, most parts of China, especially the central and southern regions, had hot weather in 2023. Naturally, the weather on the Dragon Boat Festival was also relatively hot.
During the Dragon Boat Festival period, the rainfall area shifted northward, and the overall rainfall was not strong. The main rainfall area was in the eastern part of Southwest China, the southern part of Jianghuai, the south of Jiangnan, and the South China. The accumulated rainfall was generally 30-60 mm, with some areas in the southern part of Jiangnan and South China having 80-130 mm. In addition, the rainfall in the northwest of Xinjiang, the east of the North-western region, the North China, and the Northeast region was 10-30 mm.
