Written by: Amna Naseem
Posted on: August 11, 2021 | 
| 中文
An image of Niulang (L) and Zhinu (R)
Among China’s many centuries-old customs is the Qixi festival. Also known as the double seventh festival and Chinese Valentine’s day, the Qixi festival is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the festival falls on the 14th of August. The Qixi festival has been a tradition for over 2000 years, and is celebrated by exchanging presents and by spending time with loved ones.
The origin of this festival traces back to ancient tales about the love story of fairy turned weaver, Zhinü, and cowherd, Niulang. It is one of the most popular romantic legends of Chinese mythology. According to folklore, a cowherd named Niulang resided in a beautiful village. He only had one ox, which started speaking one day and confided a secret to him. The ox explained that fairies from heaven will visit a nearby hot spring. Niulang visited the spring and fell in love with the fairy Zhinü.
Decorative figures depicting the two lovers
After marrying Niulang the fairy became a weaver, and in the span of 3 years of marriage, bore 2 children. The legend goes on to reveal that the emperor of heaven felt furious after seeing Zhinü marry a mortal man, and ordered her return. Upset by this command, Niulang chased Zhinü because she was going back to heaven, but his path was blocked. However, a bridge of magpies formed to enable the reunion of the two lovers. Seeing the universe moved by their love, the emperor of heaven allowed the cowherd and weaver to reunite once a year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, marking the origin of the Qixi festival. Legend has it that after Zhinü and Niulang’s death, they became two very bright shining stars, Vega and Altair, staring at each other forever from either side of the river of stars (Milky Way).
Presenting offerings to Zhinu (credits to Visit Beijing)
To commemorate this inspiring love story, it has become a tradition to stargaze on the day of the Qixi festival, in search of Vega and Altair. Another legend claims that if it rains on the day of the festival, it is the tears of the separated couple pouring down on earth.
Hanfu
In the past, women would dress up in a long flowing robe called Hanfu on this day. The tradition also involved preparing offerings of various delicacies as well as wine, tea and flowers for Zhinü, so that she may grant wishes of attaining good domestic skills. The celebrations also include eating Qiao Guo, a fried pastry made of flour, honey and sugar. These are delicately made into flower and animal shapes. Niulang’s ox is also honored by adorning oxen in flowers on the day of the festival.
Qiao Guo pastry
During the Han Dynasty’s rule (206 B.C. to 220 A.D.), women would compete in stitching competitions. Whoever would finish threading through the most holes in the least amount of time, would win the competition and be appreciated for their dexterity. Women also displayed their ability to stitch exotic flowers and birds.
Stitching during the Qixi Festival (credits to China Daily)
Nowadays, the Qixi festival is celebrated like Valentine’s Day. Gifts, flowers and chocolates are exchanged between loved ones, as an expression of affection for each other. Museums often hold nighttime cultural activities to celebrate the day. Decorations and special lighting may also be found in public areas across China. Additionally, there are several special activities such as flower arrangement competitions, floating of lanterns in waterbodies and matchmaking events. The Qixi festival’s traditions may have evolved over time, but its spirit of celebrating love remains the same. The legend of Zhinü and Niulang continues to inspire people to cherish and value their loved ones.
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