Is Chinese Valentine’s Day on the 14th of February and how do the Chinese celebrate the Holiday? On the contrary, Chinese Valentine’s Day isn’t on the 14th of February but on August 4th. Research has shown that Chinese Valentine’s Day which is called Qixi Festival. However, it is one of the most important traditional festivals among the Chinese. In addition, the Festival is especially based on a romantic legend about a weaver girl and an Ox Herd. But over the years, the festival is now been celebrated differently. This is because people exchange gifts such as Chocolates, Flowers, and other sweet items with their loved ones.
Nevertheless, there is still a little difference in how the festival is celebrated in the USA, the USA, and many other countries of the world. Chinese Valentine’s Day falls on the seventh day of the seventh Chinese lunar month. Although there would be no holiday, the Holiday has been designed for couples to express their love and affection to their partner or spouse. It is, however, worth noting that; Chinese Valentine’s Day does change. For example, in 2021 Chinese Valentine’s Day was celebrated on August 14. You can keep reading through this article to discover more about Chinese Valentine’s Day.
Brief History of the Qixi Festival
As stated above, Chinese Valentine’s Day also wise known as QIxi Festival or Qiqiao Festival is celebrated annually on the seventh day of the seventh lunisolar month on the Chinese calendar. According to research, the Festival originated from a 2,000 years old fairy tale that was said to celebrate the meeting of the Cowherd and the weaver girl from the Han Dynasty.
The story goes thus; Zhi Nu is a goddess popularly known for her weaving skills, she went to the mortal world where she met a cow herder by the name Niu Lang. They both fell in love and got married and later had children. But when Zhi Nu’s mother found out, she was so furious, and then she banished them to different sides of the Silver River/ the Milky Way. Zhi Nu’s mother kept doing everything possible to keep them separated until magpies reunited them after hearing their cries. The story says that Magpies did so on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. It is, however, worth noting that; there are several variations to the tale as you might come across so many on the internet.
How is Chinese Valentine’s is Celebrated?
Valentine’s Day in China marks a time in which couples express their love for each other. It is celebrated through gestures and gifts. Just like in other countries, Chinese Valentine’s Day is a romantic holiday. Couples spend time together; enjoy dinner together, exchange gifts, visit the Museum, and a lot more. The holiday brings love to the streets of china with couples holding hands, staring at the sky, and many more. However, the traditional way in which the festival is celebrated is that women pray to Zhinu for wisdom, a good husband, and happy family life. In addition, women show their skills. They do this by weaving but over the years. The holiday is now celebrated by giving chocolates, flowers, and other awesome gifts.
