The boy's father was a skilled artisan, talented not only in crafting intricate silver ornaments but also in building dragon boats and carving dragon heads. When the boy was just three or four years old, he began accompanying his father, witnessing how his father led the villagers deep into the mountains to carefully select massive cedar trees with the perfect quality for dragon boat construction. Together, they would create magnificent and imposing dragon boats. The dragon head design of the village’s boat, passed down through generations, was unique and always became the center of attention.
When the boy was five or six years old, the village held the important selection process for the child who would play the role of the gong-beater during the festival. As he came from a family that owned silver, and because the role required dressing up in silver attire and appearing as a young maiden, he naturally became the favored candidate. From that point forward, he was regarded as the village’s darling, proudly carrying the responsibility of this honorable task. Due to his young age, three other uncles stationed on the dragon head would carefully look after him, ensuring he did not fall into the water.
Time flew by, and in what seemed like the blink of an eye, ten years passed. Through frequent participation in labor, the boy developed a strong physique. Coupled with his early familiarity with water, he was chosen as one of the main rowers for the village’s dragon boat team. After each Dragon Boat Festival, the villagers would carefully place the dragon boat back into the boat pavilion, and the dragon head and oars would be stored properly. The gong played by the boy also carried a special legend. It is said that long ago, the gong was stored in a cave by the entire village, but as time passed, this tradition gradually faded away.
Another decade passed, and the boy inherited his father’s silversmithing trade, becoming a highly respected silversmith in the village. He was elected as the village elder and took on the responsibility of organizing the annual Dragon Boat Festival. He meticulously selected the best dragon boat rowers in the village and personally led their training. Each year, during the festival, they represented the village in competitions against other villages. He served as the village elder for eight years.
With the passage of time, the practices surrounding the Dragon Boat Festival have subtly evolved. Initially, the dragon boat oars were made from oak, a sturdy wood that could withstand the immense resistance of rowing against the current, ensuring the boat’s stability during the competition. However, with the advancement of modern technology, dragon boats now use lighter and more maneuverable cedarwood oars during non-competitive times, as the boats can rely on engines for assistance. Additionally, what used to be a simple bamboo hat has gradually been adorned with silver tail feathers.
As time continued to pass, the now elderly man, well into his seventies, no longer participated in dragon boat rowing. However, each year when the Dragon Boat Festival approached, he would still personally guide the new generation of rowers, imparting his knowledge, skills, and deep understanding of dragon boats without reservation to the younger generation.