香囊(scented sachet)，古代也称“香袋”，通常是用布缝制或彩色丝线编织的 袋子，里面塞满香草(aromatic herbs)。香囊最初用来吸汗、驱虫和避邪。香囊不仅 有用，而且可作装饰品。它们的形状和大小各异，有圆形、椭圆形和其他形状。它 们通常配有精致的图案，每个图案都象征着特别的含义。例如，双鱼或成对蝴蝶 图案象征男女之爱;莲花或牡丹花(peony flower)等图案象征女性;松树和仙鹤 图案象征长寿;石榴(guava)图案象征很多孩子。漂亮的香囊不仅是装饰品，而且 含有丰富的文化和历史内涵。
翻译：Scented sachets, also called “fragrant bags” in ancient times, are bags usually sewed with cloth or weaved with multicoloured silk threads and stuffed with aromatic herbs. The fragrant bags were originally used for absorbing sweat, repelling insects and warding off evils. Scented sachets are not only useful, but also ornamental. They come in different shapes and sizes, such as round, oval and many others. And they are normally decorated with elaborate patterns, with each pattern symbolizing a special meaning.For instance,a double-fish or double-butterfly pattern symbolizes the love between a man and a woman;patterns like lotus or peony flowers symbolize women;pine and crane patterns symbolize longevity and a guava pattern is the symbol of lots of children.A nice scented sachet is not just an ornament,but more of something that contains cultural and historical richness.
