Qixi Special: Gifts with heart

Fragrance pouches from online stores Wang's Handmade Crafts (王的手創(chuàng)) Da Lian Yun She (大連云社). Photo provided to Shanghai Star.

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Fragrance pouches

Fragrance pouches from online store Da Lian Yun She.

Before perfumes were introduced into China, little silk pouches stuffed with fragrant flowers or herbs were attached to the belts and waists of gentlemen and ladies during summer, or all year round.

They evolved into intimate tokens that may have a lock of hair tucked inside, or a personal keepsake like a piece of jade or locket attached. They were often exchanged as engagement tokens.

Essentially, the scented pouch wove its magic like the pheromones of nature, linking couples in love with the "scent of romance". There is no certain recipe as to which pleasant smelling herb should be put into the pouches and which excluded.

Common ingredients include sandalwood, musk, and dried tangerine peel. It is believed the mixture of powdered herbs not only keeps its wearer sweet-smelling but also drives away insects and pests.

Where to buy: Most local pharmacies selling traditional Chinese medicine will stock the pouches, but many are poorly made and shabbily put together. For the fancier versions, try China's largest e-market, taobao.com, and you will probably find something more suitable as a Qixi token.

We especially liked the pouches listed on this store, da lian yun she(大連云社),

which boasts some nicely crafted pouches priced around 800 yuan or so.