lt to raise(抚养), and people tend to concentrate their efforts during this time attempting to protect their families from ills and misfortune. the day of the dragon boat festival is customarily the time when cleaning and sanitation(卫生) are stressed(着重, 强调). most families hang calamus(菖蒲) and artemisia(艾草) above their doors, both as a decoration and as a preventive against pestilence.
ancient folk medicines(民间药物) such as realgar(雄黄酒)are added to the food eaten on the festival day. this is believed to prevent disease and to promote a healthy digestive system(消化器官). the drinking of realgar in wine supposedly relieves(解除) the effects of poisons accumulated in human bodies.
the sachets (hsiang pao in chinese香包) are very popular with children and they vie(竞争) with each other to collect as many as possible. children are not the only ones who collect hsiang pao. older people are often given them as a symbol of respect, and they are highly prized because of