On the seventh evening of the seventh month, Chinese Valentine’s Day is celebrated throughout China (qixijie 七夕 节). What’s the story behind this special day?
It all started in clear summer day, when the Milky Way looked like a river of stars. On the east side is the star Vega and on west side the star Altair. The legend tells about the love story of the weaving girl (the mythological goddess) and the shepherd (mortal son) who each represent Vega and Altair. The two fall in love, and get married despite the opposition of the Empress of Heaven. After a stubborn struggles of the couple in love, the empress decided to instruct the birds of paradise to build a special bridge that connects the two sides of the river.
Once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, a pair of lovers get to meet on the bridge.
Take your beloved one to look upon the start tonight- if you look carefully you may witness this beautiful moment!
watch the art gallery inspired by the Qixi Festival
** photos of the gallery were provided by the Nanjing Folklore Museum
