Traditional customs mark Dragon Boat Festival

People hang mugwort leaves and calamus on doors and windows to repel insects and moths. [Photo from Internet]

4. Hanging auspicious leaves

It is said that the fifth lunar month is considered a "poisonous" one in the Chinese farmer's almanac because insects and pests are active and it is also high season for people catching infectious diseases.

During the Dragon Boat Festival people in southern China put mugwort leaves and calamus on the doors or windows to keep insects out of their homes. The leaves are believed to have curative properties.