Chinese Valentine's Day: Qixi Festival

The Qixi Festival, also known as the Qiqiao Festival, is a Chinese festival that celebrates the annual meeting of the cowherd and weaver girl in Chinese mythology. It falls on the seventh day of the 7th month on the Chinese calendar. It is sometimes called the Double Seventh Festival, the Chinese Valentine's Day, the Night of Sevens, or the Magpie Festival.

The festival originated from the romantic legend of two lovers, Zhinü and Niulang, who were the weaver maid and the cowherd, respectively. The tale of The Weaver Girl and the Cowherd has been celebrated in the Qixi Festival since the Han Dynasty. The earliest-known reference to this famous myth dates back to over 2600 years ago, which was told in a poem from the Classic of Poetry.

The general tale is about a love story between Zhinü (the weaver girl, symbolizing Vega) and Niulang (the cowherd, symbolizing Altair). Their love was not allowed, thus they were banished to opposite sides of the Silver River (symbolizing the Milky Way). Once a year, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, a flock of magpies would form a bridge to reunite the lovers for one day.

As time went on, Qixi Festival exists but ancient tradition ceased to exist. Nowadays people do many things with their lovers on this day as follows:

Choose A Good Dating Site. Go to a western restaurant, have a French dinner, or a western dessert with your lover. Remember the dating place and the environment must be romantic and beautiful.

Choose A Good Gift. Girls will be happy as they receive the gift at this day. You can send her roses, necklaces, earrings, etc. If you really don't have enough money, Dove chocolates are also ok.

Go On A Trip With Your Lover. Take a short trip on this day!The beautiful scenery of the countryside and quiet and comfortable towns are all good choices for two persons. Or go to the city to see the night scene, feel the glamour of prosperity;Or go to ethnic minorities and feel the national culture. By traveling, we can promote each other's feelings.

Make A Romantic Marriage Proposal. If you are in love for many years, you may make a marriage proposal on Qixi Festival. The success rate is much higher than usual. Roses, diamond ring, cakes... are necessary.

Qixi Festival is coming soon. Wish you and your lover have a wonderful day!