Double Seventh Day

Double Seventh Day, also known as Qixi Festival or Chinese Valentine’s Day, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It is based on a romantic legend about the annual meeting of a cowherd and a weaver girl, who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to reunite only once a year on this day.

Key customs and traditions associated with Double Seventh Day include:

  1. Romantic Activities: Double Seventh Day is often regarded as a day for couples to express their love and affection for each other. Young lovers may exchange gifts, go on dates, and spend time together enjoying each other’s company.
  2. Prayers for Love and Marriage: Single individuals may visit temples or pray to deities associated with love and marriage, such as the Weaver Girl or Zhinü, in hopes of finding a romantic partner or improving their current relationships.
  3. Making Wishes: According to tradition, girls may make wishes for skills, talents, or qualities they desire in a future spouse. They may write their wishes on slips of paper and tie them to branches of trees, hoping that their wishes will be granted.
  4. Stargazing: Since the legend of the cowherd and the weaver girl involves crossing the Milky Way, stargazing is often a popular activity on Double Seventh Day. Couples may spend time outdoors admiring the stars and searching for the Cowherd Star (Altair) and the Weaver Girl Star (Vega) as they symbolically reunite in the sky.
  5. Hanging Decorations: Decorations such as paper lanterns, colorful ribbons, and handcrafted ornaments may be hung in homes and public spaces to create a festive atmosphere and symbolize the lovers’ reunion.
  6. Eating Special Foods: Traditional foods associated with Double Seventh Day include “Qiaoguo” (a type of dumpling) and “Qiaojiangnan” (a sweet pastry). These foods are often shared between couples and families as part of the celebration.

Double Seventh Day is a cherished cultural tradition that celebrates love, romance, and the enduring power of relationships. While its origins are rooted in ancient folklore, the festival continues to be observed and enjoyed by people across China and other East Asian countries today.