Spice bags for Duanwu Festival

A woman shows sachets in a shop in Bozhou, East China's Anhui province, June 18, 2012. Duan Wu Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival, is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar year, which is June 23 this year. This festival dates back to about 2,000 years ago with a number of legends explaining its origin. The best-known story centers on a great patriotic poet named Qu Yuan. The customs vary a lot in different areas of the country, but most families hang pictures of Zhong Kui (a ghost that can exorcise), calamus and moxa in their houses. People have Dragon Boat Races, eat Zong Zi (dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves) and carry a spice bag around with them. The bag is made from silk, fine satin or cotton of five colors and of different shapes, such as an animal or Chinese characters. It contains Chinese herbal medicines that can refresh the brain. If you have nice photos and stories about the festival, you are welcome to share them with us. Our email is photos@chinadaily.com.cn.