canoe decorations

Dragon Boat Race

Mapping Origin Dragon boats
As the name and the picture painted on the Dragon vessel means sport originated in China some 2000 years ago. It is said that during the 4th century BC, when a country immersed in political turmoil and upheaval, lived a Chinese patriot poet named, Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a master of political reform. The anger seized the king, Qu Yuan was banished and was left to wander aimlessly around, where he wrote the emotionally riveting poems that spoke of his love and concern for their country.

In exile, he learned about his city's defeat at the hands of another Kingdom. Overwrought with grief and opposition to the current regime, Qu Yuan jumped into the river Lo in May and ended his life. Those who saw Qu Yuan to go into the water to try to save their beloved poet, jumping to their fishing boats and rushed furiously Qu Yuan direction where he met his fate. In order to keep the fish and water dragons from coming Qu Yuan, beat drums and made further efforts to splash water with oars. But their efforts were in vain. In honor of the poet, especially on the anniversary of his death, fishermen, scattered rice dumplings ( "Tsung Tze" or "Ma Chang") into the water to ensure that where the Qu Yuan, he will never go hungry.

One night, but the spirit of Qu Yuan appeared and told his followers that rice, dumplings, it was intended for him were consumed the river dragon. He asked to ward off the dragon, followed by a menu packed in three-cornered silk packages and ensure five strings of various colors. This is still practiced today, but now they are dumplings wrapped in leaves.

Less romantic but more realistic story about the history of dragon boat racing states that many townspeople living in the valleys of South China believes that the fifth Chinese lunar month, is one that is full of misery. Avert illness death and hunger, superstitious town members would hold boat races in honor of the mighty dragon, the fifth day of that month. During this time, the victims were also appease the heavenly beings. It is said that when one member fell into the water rowing, no one would offer him any help, because that goes against the will of the gods.

What are dragon boats?
Dragon Boats, despite fierce sounding name, are still in the basic principle of the ship. They are usually made of wood are wide enough for two people to sat side by side inside the Dragon boats continue various lengths. May be short enough to accommodate only 20 rowers, or large enough to hold some 40 strong riders.

These boats are brightly decorated with color and garlands on similar scales, fins and tail of the mighty dragon. Originally dragon boats are made of teak wood, but modern innovations, to allow the use of lighter more durable material. One such material is fiberglass. Hulls of most manufactured dragon boats are made of fiberglass and keelson and gunnels are further reinforced with high-grade marine plywood. To ensure the buoyancy counters are filled with closed-cell foam.

Other woods of different colors are used for decoration or decorate dragon boats, and they are all finished with a waterproof epoxies and marine varnish.

Dragon Boat
Dragon boat team of any size is always composed of a drummer quartermaster, or tiller, and several riders. There are cases when other people, serving as the flag waves, manual clapper, or join a leading crew on board. These are not necessarily needed in the team. What is important is that the key positions are occupied.

Drummer
Often times the caller called, the person occupying this post considered the heart of the team. Speed, timing and rhythm of these moves depends on holding oars rhythmic beat on a drum (or gong). Besides maintaining the momentum of the ship, the drummer may also issue orders or instructions to competitors through hand signals or verbal orders, all in order to encourage athletes to work even harder. Although drummer or callers may be around during training is to be present at the actual event itself.

Drummers also need to be aware of their Dragon boat position in relation to others in the competition. He should know when, depending on the speed of wind, current and proximity to the target line, it is time to increase or decrease speed. Drummers must know the strength and weaknesses of his crew, so that position is in line with the ship.

Normally, a drummer in the dragon boat is enough. Drummer is usually placed at the head of the ship. For longer vessels capable of containing to 40 pairs of riders, it is not uncommon to find a drummer is located in the center of the ship.

Paddling
rider, as the name suggests, are those who handle the dragon boat paddles. Competitors are usually seated together couples and all riders, two sitting on the very front of the boat identified as "stroke" or "strokers". They hold a valuable position as the pace of the team will depend not only on the drum beat, but also on them. All riders will be seated for the stokers to synchronize their moves and not with shots sitting before them.

Helmsman
Sitting on the back of the ship's helmsman. Also called the Navigator, rudder, helmsman, sweep, or a tiller, this position is responsible for managing the ship. Helmsman controls the direction of the ship using the control oar which is installed in the rear of the ship. Steerer with drummer can call in orders during the competition.

Flag Catcher
Positions Catcher flag originated in Taiwan. This position is not necessary to complete the dragon boat team, but it is slowly integrate into the team plan. Designated flag catcher has the task bar to catch the flag as the ship crosses the finish line. Those who successfully get flag finish the race, and those who are disqualified absent. Flags, traps were at the drummer, but forward to ship approaches the finish line.

Rituals and traditions
The soil originated from the harsh rituals and traditions, is expected that Dragon boats before they raced, must submit their share of unique ceremonies.

Before starting race, dragon boats to be blessed and "awakened" correctly. Four days before the race, boats, complete with removable dragon heads and tails, leaves its warehouses. These boats are then blessed and blessing is going on with great pomp and splendor. After the ship been blessed, those paper bills, which are offering to the gods, burned before them. This strange ritual is to ward off evil and containers strong, fast and ready for racing.

After the land-based blessing boats then rowed out to sea and back three times, on track, perpendicular to a nearby temple. Only after the return of the ship may be considered ready competition.

If there is a ritual before the race begins, there is one that is performed after the race was completed. When race is over and the last boat has crossed the finish line, the temporary dragon head, tail and drum removed and each ship stored in the temple or in a place designated by the municipality and incense is burned as a token of thanks to the gods. Even if it happens, the body is covered with either a dragon sand or placed on shelves and covered with tin foil covers. After this is done, dragons are considered to be "rested". Remain sleeping until it's time to wake up again the following year.

Newly built - dragon boats are given life Taoist priest a few days before the start. In this ceremony, the priest holds the bell and the sword in the "Fu Zhou. While chant, first touching the head, tail and drum with a sword. "Fu Zhou" (ritual money are the words written on it) is then burned and sand is sprinkled on the dragon head. Dragon Eye, which will change to be drawn in red, is dotted with original leader community.

Festivals and Contests
Dragon Boat Race which takes place during the Chinese Festival dragon boat, began in China as a means to commemorate the death and then trying to save the life of the poet Qu Yuan. In the old times, is a paddler in the boat in search of the poet of the body. Dragon boat became very popular during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) and it was during this time that the event spread throughout the Yangtze River valley and most of South China.

Dragon Boat Racing had been violent actions, which often resembled a naval battle. In addition to racing towards the target line, crew members threw stones and used sticks to hit members of the opposing teams. Spectators were not assistance as they would cheer wildly and brought gifts for their team, and throw insults and stones for others. Participants used the look forward to drowning, as a safe festival (where one does not die drowning) are considered as "unfortunate".

Dragon Boat Festivals are no longer as violent as it was before. Festivals are now marked camaraderie and friendship. Still held in the traditional data, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month the event is recognized not only in China but in other parts of the world. In Chinese communities, away from the traditional race, the event celebrated the hanging plants on the front door, drinking strange but nourishing potions. Others attempt the impossible. If the eggs are able to stand on one end and it is done exactly 12 hours next year is definitely a very prosperous one.

International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the governing body, which organizes and controls the majority of the international dragon boat races held today. IDBF divided dragon boat activity into two distinct categories: racing and sports festival of racing.

Festival events, more traditional informal events are characterized by a standard 500 meter sprint. Other international events have a longer distance and both of these tests ship speed, but endurance riders, too. An example of this festival event, called "Three Gorges Rally" takes place along the Yangtze River and covers distance to 100 km

Sport Racing has stricter rules for racing. The track that most sporting events differs from the 200 meters, 250m, 500m, 1000m and 2000m. Only members can join IDBF formal sports facilities. IDBF, several Dragon Boat Racing competition every year. One such event is the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (WDBRC), which is held every two years. WDBRC is open to representatives of state or territorial teams. In the meantime, keep IDBF Club Crew World Championships (Cc), exclusive competition for the best club - the crew in the world.

To address the competitive spirit of the crew, that only connect festival Race, and "weekend warriors" who themselves only in their free time, IDBF, in 2005 introduced the company and the Commonwealth Championships world.

Dragon boats versus canoeing and rowing
Many people mistakenly believe that the Dragon Boat and Sailing are the same, even though in principle it's a little true, these two activities are more similarities than differences.

One such difference is that members of the dragon boat using a short, hand-held paddles instead of oars longer associated with a canoe or a series of ships. Another difference lies in how the rider or rowers sit when inside their vessels. Paddling sit facing towards the bow (front) from the ship, while the rowers sit facing the rear of the ship.

Important Reminders
If you want to be part of dragon boat crew must be prepared for wet and hard work. Unlike from rowing, where the movements are smooth and fluid dragon boat racing to beat the water with short, fierce strokes. Even if it could swim, is not a requirement, it is better if you know how to, at least, to swim.

If you lead a relatively sedentary life of aging or aged, it is recommended that before starting any physical activity, see your doctor. When are on board, the drummer to follow and focus on the synchronization of movements with the main strokers.

Finally, no matter how certain you think about your ability to paddle, not under any circumstances, a row without your lifejacket. Being a member or crew dragon boat team does not mean that it should meet the fate of the poet, who is credited to have begun this glorious tradition.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a paddle and start paddling!

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