Title: Traditional Activities of the Qixi Festival
The Qixi Festival, also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, is a time-honored festival celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It is a day dedicated to the romantic love story of the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid. Here are some of the traditional customs and activities associated with this festival:
1. **Making and Offering Ripe Fruit Skewers (七夕果盘)**: It is a custom for young girls to make skewers of ripe fruits and offer them to the sky. They believe that the Weaving Maid will appreciate their offerings and grant them good fortune in love.
2. **Observing the Sky for Shooting Stars (看牵牛织女星)**: On the night of the Qixi Festival, people gather to watch for shooting stars, which are believed to be the tears of the Weaving Maid. It is said that if you make a wish while seeing a shooting star, it will come true.
3. **Begging for Intelligence (乞巧)**: Young girls would perform needlework in the hope of becoming skillful and finding a good husband. The most adept girl in needlework was thought to be favored by the Weaving Maid.
4. **Writing Love Poems (写情诗)**: Couples often write love poems to express their affection and promise of eternal love. This tradition is a beautiful way to strengthen the bond between partners.
5. **Burning Incense (烧香)**: Many people visit temples to burn incense and pray for love, health, and prosperity. It is a common belief that the gods will listen to their prayers on this special night.
6. **Enjoying Traditional Foods (品尝传统美食)**: Certain foods are traditionally associated with the Qixi Festival, such as sweet rice balls (汤圆) and red bean paste, which symbolize happiness and good fortune.
7. **Marriage Matching (招婿招媳)**: In the past, parents of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes would post their children's names and birthdates on bamboo sticks or red ribbons in hopes of finding a suitable match for their children.
These customs and activities are an integral part of the Qixi Festival, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and the enduring values of love and harmony that it represents.
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