Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Here is a brief introduction to the customs and origins of this festival:
**Origins:**
The festival has its roots in an ancient Chinese legend about the cowherd and the weaving maid. According to the tale, the cowherd (Niulang) and the weaving maid (Zhuolang) were two lovers who were separated by the Milky Way due to celestial rules. They could only meet once a year, on the seventh night of the seventh lunar month. People believed that this was the only time when the magpies would fly in a formation to form a bridge over the Milky Way, allowing the couple to be together.
**Customs:**
1. **Watching the Star Vega:** Young women would gaze at the star Vega, which was considered the star of the weaving maid. It was believed that by observing Vega, women could improve their weaving skills and increase their chances of finding a good husband.
2. **Spinning and Weaving:** Girls would spin thread and weave cloth to demonstrate their weaving skills. This was seen as a way to attract suitors.
3. **Praying for a Good Husband:** Women would pray to the weaving maid for a husband who was wealthy, kind, and intelligent.
4. **Lanterns and Marquees:** During the festival, people would hang lanterns and build marquees to create a festive atmosphere. Young women would write their wishes and hopes on paper and place them in the lanterns or marquees, hoping their dreams would come true.
5. **Gifts and Banquets:** Couples would exchange gifts and hold banquets to celebrate their love. In modern times, it has become a popular occasion for couples to express their love publicly.
**Modern Celebrations:**
In modern China, Qixi Festival has become an occasion for couples to celebrate their love in various ways, similar to Valentine's Day in the West. People often exchange gifts, plan romantic dates, and take beautiful pictures to remember the day.
The Qixi Festival not only celebrates love and relationships but also emphasizes the importance of weaving and traditional culture. It continues to be an integral part of Chinese heritage and an occasion for people to express their love and appreciation for their loved ones.
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