During the COVID-19 pandemic, the obligatory wearing of masks has led to increased consumer demand and the diversification of mask design. Accordingly, it is necessary to understand the inner meaning and characteristics of masks in the pandemic situation. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to analyze the characteristics of fashionable masks and their new cultural meaning under the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is based on literature review and empirical research. Drawing on an investigation of the historical evolution of masks and their transition under the pandemic (exhibiting differences in mask culture among countries and regions), this study analyzed 54 distinctive fashion masks designed by fashion brands and influencers that appeared from January 2020 to January 2021. The characteristics of fashion masks identified under the influence of the pandemic are as follows: Message delivery on political issues and human rights; psychological defense and expression of individuality; and conspicuous display via luxurious materials and luxury brand logos; moreover, the design of the mask uses the same material, color, pattern, decoration, and other methods as clothing to achieve the overall style. Over the course of the pandemic (and even in post-pandemic lifestyle), fashion masks are becoming more diversified conveying new social and cultural meanings.

In traditional Chinese medicine, some herbs are used after toasting or roasting. The process is called "Zhi Tan" in Chinese, which means charring, and the herbs after the treatment is called carbon medicine. Carbon medicine is widely used to arrest bleeding in traditional Chinese medicine. The paper introduces the records, development and applications of carbon medicine in ancient China. The earliest record found about carbon medicine was in the remains of Han dynasty (BC206-A.D.8). The paper also introduces the process of charring herbs and mechanism of carbon medicine in arresting bleeding. Calcium iron and tan released during the charring are believed as main factors for arresting bleeding, helped with porous surface structure of active carbon.