Festival Sachets
After the summer solstice
Heat and humidity increase
Pests and germs are more active
Mothers are busy sawing scented baggies
For their children to wear
In the coming Dragon Boat Festival
On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month
These sachets are embroidered
And decorated with tassels
Stuffed with many spices
Including mint, mugwort, perilla leaves
Hyssop, camphor and sandalwood
Children wear them
To fend off harmful insects
In this way they feel protected
When joining the adults
For the outdoor festive activities
By Shih-Fang Wang
From: United States