How to Say Chinese Qixi Festival in English?
Qixi Festival, which is also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, is a traditional festival celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It’s a romantic festival that originated from a Chinese love story between a cowherd and a weaving maid. In this article, we will explore how to say Qixi Festival in English.
Translation and meaning of Qixi Festival
Qixi Festival can be translated directly to “seventh night festival” in English. It’s also known as Magpie Festival or Double Seventh Festival. The festival has been celebrated for over 2000 years and is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. It’s a time when couples express love and affection for each other and pray for happiness and longevity.
Cultural significance of Qixi Festival
The story behind Qixi Festival is a beautiful love story that has been passed down from generation to generation. It was believed that a cowherd named Niulang and a weaving maid named Zhinü fell in love with each other and got married secretly. However, the goddess of heaven became angry at their marriage and separated them by creating the Milky Way between them. But once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, a flock of magpies would form a bridge to reunite the couple for one night. The story is a representation of true love and the power of love to overcome all obstacles.
How do people celebrate Qixi Festival?
On Qixi Festival, couples often exchange gifts or enjoy romantic activities such as going on a date, watching a movie, or dining at a fancy restaurant. Many people also prepare offerings to the weaving maid, hoping to acquire her skills in weaving and to pray for a good marriage. Traditional customs include making mooncakes, tying colored threads around wrists, and writing love letters on luxurious paper. The festival has also become commercialized in recent years, with businesses offering special deals and discounts for couples.
In conclusion, Qixi Festival is an important romantic festival in China with a rich cultural significance. It’s a time when people express their love and affection for each other and pray for happiness and longevity. By learning about the festival’s translation, meaning, cultural significance, and customs, we get a better understanding of Chinese culture and the values that it holds dear.