Dragon Boat Festival | Eldranis

Dragon Boat Festival

The races — Crews from rival districts, guilds, and villages race along the river course. Their bragging rights last one year.
Bridge offerings — Rice, wine, and paper carp are cast from bridges in thanks for the rains. In Akanegumo, the offerings also give thanks for safe passage through the ghost season.
Carp pennants — Households fly carp streamers for children and apprentices, with the wish that they swim the falls until they become dragons.
The first boat — The year's first-built boat is rowed out and ceremonially swamped as a gift to the river, so the river takes no other.

The festival marks the start of high summer's work: the fields are watered, the rivers are navigable, and the haunted weeks have passed. River-folk hold that generous offerings and a good race bring gentle waters until harvest.