Chinese Valentine's Day is rooted in legend and tradition, not just romance

Chinese Valentine's Day, known as Qixi, is not merely a celebration of romance. The festival has deep roots in legend, prayer, and cultural activities that continue today. It is observed on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, which fell on August 19, 2026. Similar celebrations take place in countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, and others in Asia.

In Beijing, the Folk Custom Museum celebrated Qixi on Wednesday, focusing on the tradition of women praying for skillfulness and demonstrating their abilities through crafts. The museum, located in Beijing's Dongyue Taoist Temple, has hosted Qixi-related activities for the past 14 years, attracting around 500 people each time. The program included performances of Chinese classical music, hands-on activities for families inspired by traditional customs, and participants creating Song brocade bead paintings symbolizing completeness and good fortune.

Qixi's origins can be traced back to ancient people's worship and study of the stars. The festival centers on two main elements: a romantic legend and the concept of qiqiao, which emphasizes the pursuit of skill and dexterity. In Chinese mythology, the Weaving Maid (Zhinu) and the Cowherd (Niulang) fall in love, leading to their separation due to a decree from the Jade Emperor. However, they reunite once a year on a bridge formed by magpies.

Researcher Lynn Wong aims to revive Qixi in Singapore through an initiative called Qixi Fest. The festival, launched in 2023, will run until August 23, 2026, in an effort to create childhood memories for the new generation of Singaporeans. Wong recalls discovering that she had never heard of Qixi until she interviewed elders who shared their memories of the festival. The festival is believed to have come to Singapore with Chinese women migrants in the 1930s.

For some, Qixi represents a celebration of traditional values and ancestral legacy, contrasting with the more romanticized Valentine's Day. Hor Xin Hao, a Cantonese descendent, prays for the Seven Maidens at his family's prayer table every year, seeking blessings of beauty and charm. He believes that Qixi fosters a deeper connection between individuals and the universe, preserving traditional beliefs and practices.