Henley Dragons

HENLEY Dragons, who are part of the Eyot Centre, are excitedly awaiting delivery of our new racing dragon boat.

Upon delivery, we are looking forward to organising and hosting a boat naming ceremony, which is traditionally called “Awakening the dragon”.

In ancient China, the dragon boat, with ornately carved dragon’s head and tail, was used for religious purposes as a way of appeasing the rain gods.

The history of dragon boats can be traced back more than 2,000 years along the banks of the life-sustaining rivers in southern China, such as the Chang Jiang (now the Yangtze).

The naming ceremony traditionally involves a Taoist priest dotting the protruding eyes of the dragon head carved on the boats, thus ending its
slumber.

We are inviting the Mayor of Henley and fellow councillors to perform the “dotting of the eye” to open the dragon’s eyes, ward off evil spirits and prepare the river for voyage.

The ceremony not only blesses and cleanses the area for competition but also the spectators and
competitors.

It is considered very bad luck to paddle or race in a dragon boat that has not been properly awakened or has its eyes closed.

The whole ceremony is a big celebration and spectacle as a traditional dragon dance is performed around the boat.

We will be inviting local Chinese communities to share in our celebrations and lead us through these festivities.

We are planning to hold this by the Hobbs of Henley charter office in Station Road.

Cat Cassell, captain, Henley Dragons