Perfume Pouch

Of all the different kinds of folk pouches, perfume pouches (commonly called Xiangbao, Xiangnang, Xiangdai) account for a considerable proportion. It was originally a tradition to carry one during the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, for it was filled with fragrant herbs and embroidered with a pattern of the five venomous animals (scorpion, snake, centipede, gecko and toad), which was meant to ward off evil spirits and wickedness and bring their carriers wealth and auspiciousness forever with its unique smell.

The custom of wearing a perfume pouch has been practiced since ancient times. It is said that people in ancient times used to carry a medicine bag to drive out poisonous insects when they went hunting. By the Qing Dynasty, perfume pouches were carried by people not only on the Dragon Boat Festival, but every day, because the Manchus had long held the custom. According to the Qing custom, emperors and empresses were required to carry perfume pouches on them all year round, and at the end of every year, or on important festivals, the emperor would award each of the princes and ministers with a perfume pouch to show his favor for them.

To this day, the perfume pouch is a great traditional gift or token of fortune, and it comes in a variety of stylish and beautiful designs.