estival used to have other interesting customs that are no longer commonly observed, though you may still find them practiced in some rural areas.
ancient chinese believed the day of duanwu was unlucky because midsummer was just around the corner. the hot weather used to bring various diseases, which could spread rampantly. dispelling disease and driving out evil were the main purpose of the festival. people would paste on their front doors pictures of zhongkui, a legendary chinese ghost-catcher. people would also use cattail and mugwort leaves to drive away mosquitoes and other insects.
since children are generally the most vulnerable to disease, they received extra care at this special time. children would wear necklaces or bracelets, made of red, yellow, blue, white and black threads, to keep evil away from them. they would also receive colorful pouches containing fragrant herbal medicines as presents. they hung these around their necks, and wou