Qixi Festival, also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It is a romantic occasion that dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and is based on a romantic legend.
**The Origin of Qixi Festival:**
The festival's name "Qixi" literally means "the evening of the seventh day." The story behind it revolves around the celestial lovers, the cowherd (Niulang) and the weaver girl (Zhou Qufu). According to the legend, the two were separated by the Milky Way due to the intervention of the gods, who did not approve of their love.
Once every year, on the evening of the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the magpies would form a bridge across the Milky Way, allowing the two lovers to meet. This occasion is celebrated by Chinese people, who believe that their wishes for romance and marriage will be granted if they pray to the gods during this festival.
**Folk Customs of Qixi Festival:**
1. **Staring at the Stars:** Couples and young girls often look at the stars on the evening of the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It is believed that by identifying the "Cowherd" and "Weaver Girl" stars, they can increase their chances of finding a suitable partner.
2. **Making and Offering "Qixi Rice Dowsing" (乞巧饭):** Young girls prepare special rice dishes, which they then offer to the heavens, asking for weaving and needlework skills.
3. **Writing Love Letters:** Some young people write love letters to their crushes, hoping to express their feelings and seek a relationship.
4. **Picking Peony Blossoms:** It is considered auspicious to pick a peony blossom on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, as peonies are often associated with romance and prosperity.
5. **Wearing a Red Thread:** There is a belief that tying a red thread around the wrist on the Qixi Festival can bring good luck in love.
The Qixi Festival has become a time for young people to express their love and for those looking for a partner to seek romantic prospects. Today, it is also a popular time for gift-giving, especially for couples, and is often celebrated with modern elements alongside its traditional customs.
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