February 16th, the seventh day of the first lunar month in the year of dragon, marked the 2364th anniversary of the birth of Qu Yuan.

　　“On the seventh day of the dragon year, paying respects to Qu Yuan and reciting poetry on his birthday at the temple’s front. His immortal verses of Li Sao resonate through the ages, his integrity shines upon humanity…” On that day, in Qu Yuan Village, Qu Yuan Town, Zigui County, a unique folk parade and birthday celebration caught the attention of many. Poets of the Three Lu's Poetry Group, experts of Qu Yuan studies, and local residents gathered to recite birthday poems, offer self-prepared birthday gifts, and commemorate Qu Yuan with birthday rituals.

　　Qu Yuan once wrote in “Li Sao,” “When Sirius did in spring its light display, a child was born, and Tiger marked the day.” According to Guo Moruo, Qu Yuan was born on the seventh day of the first lunar month in 340 B.C. Since then, the people of Zigui have commemorated Qu Yuan on this day and have organized various activities such as ancestor worship at the Wan’gu Temple in Qu Clan Village, symposiums on Qu Yuan cultural heritage by descendants of Qu Yuan, poetry chanting, dragon lantern festivals, folk parades, and more, adding cultural charm to Zigui, Qu Yuan's hometown, during the Spring Festival holidays.

　　The parade reached the entrance of Qu Yuan Temple in Le’ping Village, where, following the traditional birthday customs of Zigui, a grand and joyous birthday ceremony was held. Amidst the resounding drums and gongs, representatives of Qu Yuan’s descendants presented a large birthday plaque inscribed with “Enjoy Same Lifespan with Heaven and Earth,” symbolizing Qu Yuan’s enduring spirit, “Enjoying same lifespan with heaven and earth, Enjoying the brightness alongside the sun and moon.” Local residents spontaneously placed melon seeds, peanuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables that they had prepared for the New Year in bamboo baskets as offerings to Qu Yuan. More than twenty strong men carried rectangular red wooden gift boxes on their backs, each containing auspicious pig head meat, assorted grains, Zigui navel oranges, and local specialty products, symbolizing the deep affection of the people of Qu Yuan's hometown. These well prepared birthday gifts were devoutly presented to Qu Yuan Temple as heartfelt prayers and wishes were expressed to Qu Yuan in a simple and sincere manner.

　　“This year's birthday celebration is primarily organized by the local residents, emphasizing a small scale, grassroots, and local flavor.” Zhang Jing, Head of the Qu Yuan Town, stated that the town will rely on Qu Yuan's cultural legacy to showcase rural folk culture and traditions, display the green mountains and clear waters of the countryside, and exhibit the happiness of the local residents, thus spreading Qu Yuan culture as well as contributing to rural revitalization. (Reporter/Hu Xingjun, Correspondents/Shi Li and Wang Hua)