The Legend Of Qixi Festival

Qixi Festival originated from the legend of the cowherd and the weaver girl (Niulang and Zhinü).

• 牛郎 Niúláng /nyoh-lung/ 'ox youth'

• 织女 Zhínǚ /jrr-nyoo/ 'weaving girl' or 'Vega'

The Quick Version...

An oxherd Niulang with the help of his ox (the demoted cattle god) married a fairy, Zhinü, who became a weaver girl. Zhinü's mother, a goddess, returned Zhinü to heaven. Niulang pursued using the ox's hide. The goddess separated them by a river of stars (the Milky Way), but magpies were allowed to form a bridge for them to meet once a year (Qixi).

For the longer version, see China's Top Romantic Legends.

Double Seven Festival (Qixi) is the most romantic of traditional Chinese festivals, and since China's globalization it's become known as "Chinese Valentine's Day".

Now people usually celebrate Chinese Valentine's Day by giving flowers, chocolates, and other presents to their sweethearts, instead of doing the traditional customs.

Though in Chinese cities, Western Valentine's Day is now more popular than Qixi with young people, the romantic legend of Niulang and Zhinü has taken deep root in the hearts of Chinese people. It probably always will be told from one generation to the next...