What is Qixi?

Qixi (七夕), or more commonly known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month (hence another name of Qixi is literally the “Double Seventh Festival”). In 2022, Qixi will be observed on August 4th, 2022.

Being one of the most romantic Chinese festivals, Qixi originates from a mythical tale of two star-crossed lovers, goddess Zhinü (织女) and Niulang (牛郎), who were only allowed to meet over a bridge built by magpies, on Qixi each year.

What are the Qixi traditions?

In ancient times, young women would make offerings of tea, wine, flowers, and fruits to the goddess Zhinü on the night of Qixi, for wisdom and to grant their wishes. Many newlyweds also worshiped the Zhinü-Niulang couple for the ideal marriage.

Although the food traditions of Qixi tend to vary regionally, the most popular dish being consumed on Qixi is the Qiaoguo (巧果),  a type of pastry that can exhibit elaborate designs and shapes related to Qixi legends.

The Modern Qixi – Chinese Valentine’s Day

In modern times, Qixi has evolved to become much like Valentine’s Day in the West. Couples will exchange gifts of flowers, chocolates, and cards, and some may gaze at the sky to look for Vega and Altair, the celestial counterparts of  Zhinü and Niulang as part of their romantic dates on Qixi. It is also one of the most popular dates that couples choose to tie the knot, for the wish of a happy and everlasting marriage!