Festive summer comes!

As summer approaches, a series of colorful activities begin in which the Chinese people celebrate their lunar summer holidays.

Ancient air conditioning

In the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907AD), there was a “cooling hall” in the imperial palace, rnished with mechanical refrigerating equipment. Cold water would be pumped up to the roof and then allowed to run down along the eaves, forming an artificial water curtain. On the other side, cool wind was blown into the hall with a fan-shaped wheel which was powered by the water.

Summer dress and adornment

In ancient times, summer fashions were as important for women as they are today. All kinds of beautiful chiffon and gauze as well as cool stone ornaments and flowers were worn as the warmer months rolled around. Various powders and perfumes were also used to cover up any unseemly human odors.