The Qixi Festival
The Qixi Festival
The Qixi Festival, also known as the Double Seventh Festival or Chinese Valentine’s Day, falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It is a festival steeped in romantic legends and unique customs. Here are some of the main traditions associated with the Qixi Festival:
1. Needle Threading Competition (穿针乞巧)
One of the most prominent customs of the Qixi Festival is the needle threading competition, known as “乞巧 (qǐ qiǎo)” in Chinese, which means “praying for skills”. On this evening, young girls gather together and try to thread a needle with seven holes as quickly as possible. It is believed that the girl who can do it the fastest and most dexterously will be blessed with greater needlework skills and intelligence. This custom reflects the traditional emphasis on women’s handicraft skills in ancient China and their aspiration to become more skillful and capable.
2. Worshiping the Weaver Girl (拜织女)
In some areas, girls will set up a shrine to worship the Weaver Girl, one of the main characters in the Qixi legend. They will prepare fruits, flowers, and other offerings, and then kneel down and pray to the Weaver Girl. They may ask for her blessings in various aspects of their lives, such as improving their embroidery and sewing skills, finding a good husband, or having a happy and harmonious family. This act of worship shows people’s respect and yearning for the Weaver Girl’s wisdom and good fortune.
3. Making and Eating Qixi Cakes (制作和食用巧果)
Qixi cakes, also called “巧果 (qiǎo guǒ)”, are traditional pastries made for this festival. These cakes are often shaped like flowers, birds, or other delicate patterns. They are made from ingredients such as flour, sugar, and sesame seeds, and then deep-fried or baked. Eating these cakes is not only a delicious treat but also a way to celebrate the festival. The name “巧果” implies that by eating these cakes, people can gain some of the Weaver Girl’s ingenuity and dexterity.
4. Star Gazing (观星)
The Qixi Festival is closely related to the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, who are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year on this day. As a result, people often look up at the sky on the night of the Qixi Festival, hoping to see the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl stars. It is a romantic and symbolic activity, representing people’s yearning for true love and the hope that lovers can be together. Some people also make wishes while star gazing, believing that their wishes may come true under the witness of these stars.
5. Decorating with Pomegranates (用石榴装饰)
Pomegranates are often associated with the Qixi Festival. In some places, people will decorate their homes with pomegranates or pomegranate flowers. The pomegranate is a symbol of fertility, abundance, and good luck. Its many seeds are seen as a sign of a large and prosperous family. By using pomegranates for decoration, people express their hopes for a happy and fulfilling life, as well as their wish for a harmonious and prosperous family.
These customs of the Qixi Festival not only carry the beautiful legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl but also reflect the Chinese people’s pursuit of love, wisdom, and a good life. They continue to be passed down and celebrated, adding a touch of romance and cultural charm to this special festival.