As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, markets in Chuncheng Subdistrict, Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, are bustling as residents purchase fresh mugwort and calamus to continue the traditional custom of hanging these herbs at their doorways.
At local markets, bundles of verdant mugwort and slender calamus have become popular seasonal items. Neatly tied with red string, the aromatic plants stand out on market stalls, drawing passersby to select their preferred bundles. Many shoppers place them in bicycle baskets or carry them home.
Local elders say the custom of hanging mugwort and calamus during the festival is deeply rooted in folklore. Traditionally, households place the plants at their entrances on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, believing that their natural fragrance helps repel insects, ward off harmful influences, and bring health and safety to the family.
Mugwort and calamus are known for their distinctive, pungent aromas. According to folk belief, the plants can drive away mosquitoes and ward off evil spirits, an idea passed down through generations in Yangjiang. Today, however, the custom is more than a ceremonial gesture. For many residents, it is a heartfelt way to express good wishes, preserve the local traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, and stay connected to their cultural roots.
As the scent of herbs drifts through the streets and alleys of Chuncheng, a festive atmosphere is taking hold. Bustling markets and residents carrying bundles of greenery offer a vivid glimpse of local Dragon Boat Festival traditions.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | Nanfang Plus
