What are the two important ceremonies performed for the dragon boats in Chinese?

Answer 1

There are basically two important ceremonies which have to be performed for the dragon boats. They have to be blessed and "awakened" before the races and then properly induced to "repose" afterwards. Four days before the festival, the dragon boats are taken out of their storage yard and their dragon heads and dragon tails are attached to them. A benediction ritual done with great pomp and ceremony follows this and involves the burning of paper bills in front of the dragon boats, the making of offerings and chanting of prayers to heavenly gods. This ritual serves to ward off evil and to sanctify and bless the dragon boats. In addition, this action is supposed to make the dragon boats strong and fierce and therefore fit to compete in the exciting races.