Qixi Festival, also known as the Begging Festival or Maiden's Festival, is a cherished traditional holiday celebrated across East Asia, prominently in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. This festival is deeply rooted in a beautiful folk tale—the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl—which tells an epic story of love spanning the realms of heaven and earth, symbolizing love and fidelity in Eastern cultures.
The Legend of the Cowherd and the Weaving Maiden
The history of Qixi Festival can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, if not earlier. Ancient texts record similar celebrations dating back to the Zhou Dynasty. At the heart of the festival lies the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. According to legend, the Weaver Girl was the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, skilled in weaving, while the Cowherd was a kind-hearted herder. They fell in love and married, living happily with children. However, their celestial-human romance enraged the Heavenly Emperor, who ordered the Queen Mother of the West to bring the Weaver Girl back to heaven. From then on, the couple was forced to part ways, meeting only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month when magpies form a bridge across the Milky Way.
Celebration Customs
Qixi Festival is celebrated with diverse traditions that vary regionally but all center around prayers for a blissful romance and dexterity. Here are some typical observances:
• Needlework under the Moon: Young women would thread needles under the moonlight on Qixi night, showcasing their nimble fingers and wisdom. It was believed that doing so could earn blessings from the Weaver Girl, ensuring a happy marriage and excellent domestic skills.
• Stargazing: People gather outdoors to gaze at the stars, seeking out Altair (Cowherd Star) and Vega (Weaver Girl Star), attempting to spot the legendary Milky Way, feeling the love story between the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.
• Preparation of Qiaoguo: In certain regions, special foods like Qiaoguo (Begging Fruits) are prepared as offerings to the Weaver Girl, praying for wisdom and skillfulness.
• Exchange of Gifts: In modern times, couples exchange gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and handicrafts on Qixi Day as tokens of affection.
Cultural Significance
Over time, the Qixi Festival has evolved into a celebration of love, akin to Valentine's Day in the West. Modern couples use this day to exchange gifts, share intimate dinners, or participate in various festive events as a way to commemorate their love for each other. More than just a beautiful legend, Qixi Festival embodies the celebration of true love, as well as the yearning for family reunion and the pursuit of a happy life.