摘要：On May 15th, several dragon boat workshops in Zhongtang Town, Dongguan, widely known as the "Hometown of Dragon Boats" in China, h

On May 15th, several dragon boat workshops in Zhongtang Town, Dongguan, widely known as the "Hometown of Dragon Boats" in China, held launch ceremonies for newly built boats. These dragon boats will soon head off to competitions and folk events across the country, showcasing Zhongtang's deep-rooted dragon boat culture and the spirit of unity and perseverance it embodies.

In recent days, Zhongtang has seen a series of lively "water-launching" ceremonies at local dragon boat factories. By early morning, the boatyards were bustling with activity. Crowds gathered, many of whom had come to take delivery of their new boats, eyes fixed on the sleek, solidly built boats lined up and ready to go.

As the solemn ritual began, traditional offerings such as roast pig, lychees, and dragon boat cakes were laid at the bow, symbolizing hopes for abundant harvests and favorable weather. The boatbuilders performed a series of age-old procedures. The eye-dotting ceremony, believed to bring the boat to life, was conducted by an elder, who sprinkled lemongrass water while chanting blessings.

With firecrackers crackling and drums pounding, the new dragon boats were carefully launched into the water by teams of strong rowers working in unison. After the successful trial runs, a "master appreciation" ceremony was held to express gratitude and pray for peace and prosperity. Upon returning to their villages, the new boats will also be greeted with further welcoming rituals.

Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, Zhongtang's dragon boat craftsmanship has earned a reputation for excellence: "Good dragon boats come from Zhongtang," as the saying goes. This year's wave of new boat launches not only reflects the vitality of this traditional craft but also highlights the robust demand and economic vigor of Zhongtang's boatbuilding industry.

Source: Lingnan on the Cloud

龙舟之乡订单旺 新龙“骏水”忙

5月15日，“中国龙舟之乡”东莞中堂镇多家龙船厂迎来新龙舟“骏水”仪式，这批新龙舟即将奔赴各地赛事与民俗活动，展现中堂深厚的龙舟文化和团结拼搏的龙舟精神。

连日来，中堂镇的几家龙船厂上演了新龙“骏水”的“名场面”。清晨的船厂早已热闹非凡，人头攒动，他们当中多数都是前来接“新龙”回家的人，目光紧紧聚焦在一条条线条流畅、结构扎实的新龙舟上。

随着庄重的祭祀仪式开始，烧猪、荔枝、龙船饼等供品摆上船首，寓意五谷丰登、风调雨顺。造船师傅们按传统流程进行“开龙口”“装龙头”“放冚板”等操作。点睛环节由长者主持，一边洒香茅水，一边口中念念有词，为“新龙”赋予生命。

鞭炮齐鸣、锣鼓喧天，在阵阵号令声中，健儿们齐心协力将新龙舟缓缓推入水中试航。试水后，现场还举行了“谢师”仪式，祈愿风调雨顺、出入平安。据介绍，新龙回村后还将继续举行迎龙仪式。

中堂龙舟制作技艺作为国家级非物质文化遗产，素有“好龙舟，中堂造”的美誉。今年新龙舟纷纷下水，不仅展现了这项传统工艺的蓬勃生机，更印证了中堂龙舟造船厂的市场活力。

文｜记者 石梦卓 通讯员 邱发平

图｜记者 王俊伟

译 | 杨钧雅

英文审校 | 林佳岱

来源：羊城派一点号