The unusual situation existing in China, especially in the areas which have suffered already from the hostilities and in those which are facing the grim prospect of being the scene. of battles in the near future, has had the unfortunate effect of putting a stop to many of the picturesque celebrations which have been feature of Chinese life for centuries. Hence aday's celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival will pass in Shanghai with very little but the consumption of the special cakes made for the occasion, to remind the people of one of China's oldest observances. The native banks wil keep today as a holiday, while in many Chinese shops and stores'the junior employees will be given the benefit of the occasion. As a settlé- ment day. it is reported, Shanghai has nothi to fear from today. and therefore the shadow of the financial gloom which too often accompanies' settlement days should not fall on this part of the world. The Dragon Boat Festival, it will be recalled, commemorates the death by leaping into a river of Chu Yuan, a statesman who lived during the days of the Warring States. more than two thousand years ago. Tired of giving advice to an erring monarch who would not listen to. it, Chu Yuan committed suicide as a gesture which will never die. At first the anniversary of his death was observed In pilgrimages to rivers, when sacrifices were made to satisfy the water gods. But later there developed the famous dragon boat races, which Were some years ago banned by the Nationalist Government, but were later allowed on the principle that what the official eye does not see the heart need not grieve over. These races
are here, and in that part/of the country are are more popular' in SouthChina than they.|8itended by displays of fireworks. and. also an unfortunate number of accidents. There is always great competition among the different dragon boats to be first pst the post. Incidentally. there is, a considerable amount of kudos attached to winning this race, or one of the guilds and other organ in the city where Series of races. Boat are often sponsored by the races are taking place. The: rowers are usually professionals engaged for the occasion, and their talent for showmanship sometimes is worth as much as their skill as paddlers. There is, in a small way, as much local betting on the resultes there is on the result of a loca! Derby in other countries. And after this one glorious day in the year, it is pathetic to see the dragon boats beached for the next twelve months, with their magnificence dwindling into tinsel until the painters get to work for the next year's contests, 3
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.