This is a dual post about Taiwan and China, because the two share cultures and, thus, similar holidays.
Valentine’s Day as it is known in the West, has only recently begun to be popular in China and Taiwan. The younger generation will sometimes celebrate February 14th, but not always. It’s very similar to how in the US, celebrating Valentine’s Day depends on a person’s preference.
Why the lack of interest? Because they have their own special lovers day!
On the 7th day of the 7th lunar month is the Magpie Festival (or Qixi Festival). There are other names that are also used, but these two seem to be the most popular.
Want to celebrate the Chinese way this year? Then get ready for August 23rd!
There are many variations on the love story behind this holiday. The primary story remains the same: a young cowherd meets a lovely weavergirl (who was the 7th daughter of the Goddess, a fact the cowherd didn’t know) who had escaped from home looking for entertainment. They fell in love, married and had two healthy children.
Different versions have variations on who split the loving couple up. The Goddess, the cowherd’s parents, or the Emperor of Heaven became upset over their marriage and ordered the weavergirl back up to heaven.
The cowherd was so upset that his ox suddenly started talking to him, telling the man to kill him and wear his skin so that the cowherd could go up to heaven. The Goddess found out that the cowherd had done as his ox told him, and that he had brought their two children up to heaven with him. Furious, she took out her hairpin and scratched out a river in the sky to separate them. This is now called the Milky Way.
Altair and Vega are the two stars in the night sky associated with the weavergirl and the cowherd, but one night a year magpies all over the world fly up to heaven and form a bridge between the two. This is the same night as the Magpie Festival.
Image via Wikipedia
Women are supposed to show off their domestic skills while praying to find the perfect husband. Married couples pray to have a happy life together.
According to CNNGO, the popularity of this festival is waning while Valentine’s Day is on the rise; however, it really depends on the person.
Source: CNNGO
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