Every year on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, it is the traditional Chinese Qixi Festival. This festival was known as "Qiqiao Festival" in ancient times, a day for women to pray to the weaving maid star for skillful arts. However, with the changes of the times, the Qixi Festival has gradually evolved into China's Valentine's Day. So, was Qixi really a Valentine's Day in ancient times? Let's explore it together.
First, the origin of the Qixi Festival. The Qixi Festival originated in the Han Dynasty and was first mentioned in the "Han Shu - Tian Wen Zhi". According to records, every year on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the Cowherd and the Weaver Maid would meet above the Milky Way. This legend originated from ancient star worship, where the ancients attributed the Cowherd Star (also known as the Oxherd Star) and the Weaver Maid Star (also known as Tianjin Four) to the Cowherd and the Weaver Maid, respectively, as a pair of loving immortals. Because their love was hindered by the Queen Mother of the West, they could only meet on this day every year. Therefore, the Qixi Festival is also known as the "Qiqiao Festival".
Second, the customs of the Qixi Festival. In ancient times, the Qixi Festival was mainly a festival for women. They would pray to the Weaving Maid Star on this day, hoping to be skilled and skilled, and to have a happy marriage. To celebrate this festival, women would hold various activities, such as worshipping the Weaving Maid Star, weaving, embroidery, and so on. In addition, women in some areas would give gifts to their beloved men on this day to express their feelings.
Third, the relationship between the Qixi Festival and Valentine's Day. Although the Qixi Festival originated from ancient star worship, it gradually evolved into China's Valentine's Day with the development of the times. In modern times, the Qixi Festival has become an important day for lovers to express their love and spend romantic moments together. Many businesses also launch various exclusive gifts and activities for the Qixi Festival to meet people's demand for romance.
In summary, from a historical perspective, the Qixi Festival was originally a festival for ancient women to pray for skillful arts. However, with the changes of the times, the Qixi Festival has gradually evolved into China's Valentine's Day. On this special day, lovers express their love for each other by exchanging gifts and spending romantic moments together. Although the customs of the Qixi Festival have changed greatly, it still carries people's aspirations and blessings for beautiful love.
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