The East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai recently held the "Perfume Encounter: Chinese Sachet Making Experience" activity for international students to celebrate the upcoming traditional Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Festival, which falls on June 22.
During the activity, 28 international students learned what scented sachets contain and symbolize and experienced traditional Chinese culture by making these sachets themselves. The students also got to describe the scents in the form of collages.
Scented sachets are a unique Chinese ornament and wearing them is a traditional custom during the festival. The sachets function as both an amulet that wards the owner against evil and diseases, and a piece of decoration on festive costumes.
During ancient times, people made scented sachets by putting wormwood and other medicinal herbs into embroidered pouches. These sachets are then given to relatives and friends to wish them happiness and good fortune.
During the activity, the students also played touhu, an ancient Chinese game that involves throwing arrows into a pitcher.
