Dragon Boat Festival: Chinese traditional festival (3)

Hang mugwort and Calamus

(Photo/People.cn)

It has been a long-standing custom that during the Dragon Boat Festival, people arrange various plants to dispel pathogens and disease. Hanging mugwort and Calamus is an integral part of the Dragon Boat Festival. Ancient books recorded that people should "gather mugwort and hang it on the door with the purpose to dispel poison," as mugwort is an important medicinal plant. Because of its unique fragrance, people use it to ward off mosquitoes. Moreover, thanks to its medicinal function, mugwort is also said to be capable of warding off evil spirits. Mugwort grows best during the month of May, hence why it is so common during the festival. People often gather mugwort and hang it in front of their homes.