端午节 (duānwǔ jié) means “Dragon Boat Festival” in Chinese. It’s a significant cultural event celebrated in China and other East Asian countries. Let’s break down the original structure and meaning of each character:

端 (duān)

• Original Structure: This character was originally composed of two parts: “立” (lì – to stand) and “耑” (duān – beginning or end). “立” represented standing upright, while “耑” symbolized the beginning or end of something. Together, they conveyed the idea of the starting point or initial phase.
• Meaning: beginning / end / upright / proper / to carry / to hold something level

午 (wǔ)

• Original Structure: This character was originally a pictogram depicting a hoe or similar tool used in agriculture. It was associated with the midday sun when farmers would take a break from working in the fields.
• Meaning: noon / 7th earthly branch / 11 a.m.-1 p.m. / (in the old days) 5th lunar month

节 (jié)

• Original Structure: This character was originally composed of “艹” (cǎo – grass) and “卩” (jié – a seal or knot). “艹” represented plants or vegetation, while “卩” symbolized a joint or section. Together, they conveyed the idea of a bamboo joint or section, which were used for marking time or events.
• Meaning: festival / holiday / section / segment / joint / to economize / to save / moral integrity / chastity / to control / to restrict / knot / node / classifier for segments, sections, classes, etc.

Combined Meaning

When combined as 端午节 (duānwǔ jié), the meaning becomes “Dragon Boat Festival.” This name originates from the festival’s timing, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. “端” refers to the “beginning” or “start” of the month, while “午” represents the fifth lunar month. “节” signifies a festival or holiday.

Cultural Significance

The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the life and death of the ancient Chinese poet and patriot Qu Yuan. It is celebrated with dragon boat races, the eating of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and other traditional customs.