Dragons awakened in Guangzhou

A folk culture festival took place in Lizhiwan Bay of Guangzhou's Liwan district on May 3 in preparation for the Dragon Boat Festival at the end of the month.

According to local tradition, dragon boats were raised from the river following being sunk after last year's Dragon Boat Festival. Laying the boats to rest after the festival has taken place for hundreds of years.

Historically, dragon boats would be loaded with stones and sunk in order to protect them from changes in air temperature and humidity during the year until the next festival. The boats, often made of teak, would then be raised to be painted, varnished and decorated before the following year's celebrations.

Just before the boat is surfaced, a Buddhist rite is performed, often known as "awakening the dragon", where a priest will dot the eyes of the dragon boats, thus ending there slumber. The ritual is accompanied by vegetarian food, Chinese liquor, and ceremonial drumming.

The raising of the boats often takes place on the day of Buddha's birth and symbolizes respect and good luck for the festival to come.

This year's Dragon Boat Festival takes place on May 30.

Locals work together to remove water, stones, and sediment to raise the boats. [Photo/southcn.com]

Before the boats are raised, drums are played to help wake the dragons. [Photo/dayoo.com]

Worshipping rites are held before the boats are taken out of the water. [Photo/dayoo.com]