What is the Origin of Qixi Festival?

Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, has a rich history dating back to ancient China. The festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar and commemorates the legend of Weaving Maiden and Cowherd. According to myth, Weaving Maiden was a celestial being who fell in love with a mortal cowherd named Zhinü. Their love story is one of separation and reunion, symbolizing the bond between lovers.

The tale goes that after their marriage, Zhinü was forced to return to heaven while her husband remained on earth. To be reunited with each other, they were allowed to meet only once a year on Qixi Day when two stars appeared in the sky - Chang'e (the moon goddess) wept tears that became stars for her daughter-in-law's sake. The festival celebrates this eternal love story and serves as an opportunity for couples to strengthen their bonds.

How does Qixi Festival Celebrate Love?

Celebrations surrounding Qixi Festival are deeply rooted in traditional customs and practices passed down through generations. Families gather together for feasts filled with sweet treats such as red bean pastries symbolizing unity among loved ones. Couples often adorn their homes with festive decorations like paper lanterns or flowers representing prosperity.

In modern times, people celebrate by exchanging gifts like hairpins adorned with tassels called "zitan" which signify good luck or heart-shaped cookies baked into various flavors. They may also watch romantic movies or attend cultural events paying tribute to traditional folklore.

The Significance of Double Seventh Festival

Double Seventh Festival takes place during summer when temperatures soar across China; thus it marks an auspicious time for planting crops particularly rice paddies vital for food production throughout much of Asia.

The coincidence between crop growth cycles and starry night skies led locals believe that heavenly beings had chosen this day specifically for them – reinforcing faith in cosmic connections guiding human life decisions including those related romance & relationships

Why do People Celebrate Double Seventh Today?

Today many young couples still observe old customs but have adapted them accordingly For example some now use technology like video calls instead face-to-face visits And due changes global society globalization influences how people perceive & express love around world

However despite these advancements; core values associated w/ celebration remain unchanged: commitment loyalty devotion These timeless themes continue inspire generations seeking connection warmth amid rapidly evolving world

What Does it Mean When You Say 'Love is Blind'?

When saying 'love is blind' you mean emotions can transcend physical appearances social status age differences even distance because true feelings are not limited by worldly constraints This concept resonates strongly w/ double seventh celebrations since its central theme revolves around enduring love transcending obstacles no matter what form they take whether it be celestial intervention or human endeavors

This idea encapsulates essence behind qixi festival reminding us all regardless our circumstances there exists hope beautiful stories unfolding everyday right before our eyes