Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day)

About This Festival

Qixi Festival, celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, is often called Chinese Valentine's Day. It celebrates the romantic legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl, two lovers separated by the Milky Way who are only allowed to meet once a year on this day. Young women traditionally prayed for skillful hands and a good marriage.

History & Origin

The festival originates from the legend of Niulang (Cowherd) and Zhinü (Weaver Girl). Zhinü, a goddess, fell in love with Niulang, a mortal. When the Queen Mother of Heaven discovered their marriage, she separated them with the Milky Way. Moved by their love, magpies form a bridge once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month so they can reunite.

Traditions & Customs

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Praying to Zhinü: Young women pray for skillful hands in needlework and wisdom

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Threading Needles: Competition to thread needles under moonlight to demonstrate dexterity

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Making Wishes: Couples and singles make wishes for love and romance

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Gazing at Stars: Looking for Vega and Altair stars representing the lovers

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Displaying Cleverness: Showcasing handicrafts and needlework skills

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Offering Fruits: Presenting melons, fruits, and flowers to the Weaver Girl

Traditional Foods

Qiaoguo (巧果)

Fried thin pastries in various shapes symbolizing skillfulness

Five-Seed Food

Dishes made from five types of seeds for fertility and prosperity

Seasonal Fruits

Melons, grapes, and other fresh fruits offered to Zhinü

Wontons

Cloud-shaped dumplings symbolizing the clouds in the Milky Way

Festival Activities

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Couples exchanging gifts and spending romantic time together

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Young women demonstrating needlework and handicraft skills

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Stargazing to find Vega and Altair in the night sky

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Making offerings of fruits and flowers

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Writing love letters and poems

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Visiting temples dedicated to the Weaver Girl