What did the jiangs do to their four trunks in red scarf girl?

Answer 1

They had to paint them black to cover up the material so if/ when they are searched they wouldn't be taken from the family to be considered four olds

Answer 2

In "Red Scarf Girl," the Jiangs burned their four trunks from the past as a symbolic act of severing ties with their traditional lifestyle and showing loyalty to the Communist Party during the Cultural Revolution in China. This was a painful but necessary step for them to demonstrate their allegiance and avoid persecution.