The Romantic Legend of Chinese Valentine’s Day: Qixi Festival
Chinese Valentine’s Day, also known as Qixi Festival (七夕节 Qīxìjié), is a celebration deeply rooted in Chinese folklore. Although not an official Chinese holiday, it has over 2,000 years of history and is widely celebrated by couples throughout China. Let’s delve into the enchanting story behind this romantic festival:
The Legend of Zhinü and Niulang
According to legend, Zhinü, represented by the star Vega, was one of the daughters of the Jade Emperor. Bored with her mundane life in heaven, Zhinü descended to earth and defied the rules of heaven by falling in love with the mortal Niulang, represented by Altair, the brightest star in the constellation of Aquila.
Zhinü’s mother, the Goddess of Heaven, soon discovered that Zhinü had married a mortal and promptly sent soldiers to retrieve her. The soldiers made quick work of their assignment, and tragically, the lovers were separated.
In the face of his devastating loss, Zhinü’s mortal husband Niulang carried their two children to heaven in search of his beloved wife. Yet the Goddess of Heaven, ever the controlling mother, quickly learned of Niulang’s arrival and created a tremendous river—the Milky Way itself—between him and Zhinü to separate them for eternity.
Moved by the couple’s love, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, a flock of beautiful magpies formed a bridge over the great celestial river so that Niulang and Zhinü could meet on what came to be known as the “Magpie Bridge.”
Witnessing this most romantic scene unfold—and to the delight of lovers worldwide—the Goddess of Heaven underwent a dramatic change of heart! She thus decided to allow the lovers to meet on the Magpie Bridge each year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month forevermore.
Celebrating Qixi Festival
On Qixi Festival, couples in China celebrate their love by:
Exchanging gifts: Flowers, chocolates, and handwritten love letters are popular choices.
Stargazing: Couples look up at the night sky, imagining Zhinü and Niulang reuniting across the Milky Way.
Visiting temples: Many visit temples to pray for happiness and everlasting love.
While the legend of Zhinü and Niulang remains at the heart of Qixi Festival, modern celebrations also include romantic dinners, moonlit walks, and heartfelt gestures.
