Traditional awakening

WITH a splash of river water, a scattering of rice and a feed of spring onions, the new South C Dragons’ boat was officially awakened last weekend.

The new boat, aptly named ‘Wind Dragon’ was officially launched by Warrnambool City mayor Cr Ben Blain last Saturday morning.

In front of club members, friends and supporters, the ‘Wind Dragon’ was the centre of attention as members cheered its launch and then took to the water for their first venture.

The naming ceremony was one filled with excitement and tradition.

This began with an ‘eye dotting’ ceremony which involved red dots being placed on the dragon’s forehead (its wisdom eye), tongue, body and tail.

It is believed this ceremony awakens the dragon to protect paddlers, volunteers and spectators.

Spring onions were then dipped in river water and the water splashed on the dragon as a blessing before the onions were then placed in the dragon’s mouth.

Handfuls of rice were then thrown into the river to complete the ceremony.

“The throwing of the rice in the water symbolises the prevention of the sea fishes from eating the body of Qu Yuan, the poet, which dragon boat racing commemorates,” South C Dragons president Victoria Dunn said.

“Dragon boat racing has a rich history, with traditional dragon boating in southern China dating back more than 2000 years.

“Dragon boats celebrate the life and death of Qu Yuan, a patriotic man who drowned in the Mi-Luo River in China.”

According to legend, when news of his drowning became known, boats were launched by local fishermen in a race to be the first to recover Qu Yuan’s body.

This then began the sport of dragon boat racing.

“The furious splashing of paddles and banging of drums used these days to get the crews in time were used to scare off the fish,” Victoria said.