英语中说七夕的方式有哪些
在中国,"七夕节"又被称为“女儿节”或“重逢节”,是根据古代民间传说的故事来命名的。这个传说讲述了织女星和牛郎星之间的爱情故事。每年的农历七月初七,人们会庆祝这段美好的爱情故事,因此也被称为"Qixi Festival"。
然而,在英文中,这个节日并没有一个标准化的名称。不过,我们可以用一些含义相近的话语来表达这一概念,比如“Chinese Valentine's Day”、“Double Seventh Festival”或者直接翻译成 "Qixi Festival”。
1. Qixi Festival: How to Celebrate in English?
A. Understanding the Significance
The Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day or Double Seventh Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. It commemorates the legend of Zhinü (Weaving Maiden) and Niu Lang (Cowherd), who fell in love and were separated by their families.
B. The Story Behind
In this tale, Zhinü was sent to heaven to weave clouds while Niu Lang stayed on Earth to tend his cattle. Despite being apart, they would secretly meet once a year on this day. One year, when Zhinü finished her weaving task early, she descended from heaven to visit Niu Lang but was forced back by her mother-in-law.
C. Celebrating Love
Today, couples celebrate their love for each other during this festival just like Zhinü and Niu Lang did centuries ago. People often watch traditional operas or dramas about their story; give gifts such as mooncakes filled with red bean paste symbolizing reunion; decorate homes with peach blossoms representing good luck; and release sky lanterns into the night sky.
2. Expressing 'Seven Nights' in English
When expressing "seven nights," we can use phrases such as "the seven days leading up to Qixi," "the week before Qixi," or simply describe it as "a period of seven days."
3. Exploring Alternatives for 'Double Seventh'
To express "Double Seventh," we could say that it refers to two celestial beings - Weaving Maiden (Zhinü) and Cowherd (Niu Lang). Alternatively, we might describe it using terms like "celestial lovers reunited once a year."
4. Translating Traditional Customs into English
Many customs associated with Qixi are related to food offerings made by women praying for husbands who have passed away or those still alive but far away from home.
Mooncakes: These round pastries represent unity among family members.
Red bean paste: This sweet filling signifies reunion.
Peach blossoms: These flowers symbolize good fortune.
Sky lanterns: Releasing these glowing orbs represents prayers reaching heavens.
By understanding these expressions and cultural practices connected with 'Qixi', people may better communicate about this special time celebrating love across languages – even if there isn't an exact translation available within English language itself yet!