Today is Chinese Valentine’s Day!
In Chinese, it’s called “七夕节(qīxī jié) The Seventh Eve.” It is also known as “中国情人节(zhōngguó qíngrén jié) Chinese Valentine’s Day”and “女儿节(nǚér jié) The Daughter’s Day.” It occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month on the Chinese lunar calendar, so this year it falls on August 23rd. Next year, it will fall on August 13, 2013.
Chinese Valentine’s Day originated from a romantic fable about two lovers: the seventh daughter of the Goddess of Heaven and a simple cowherd. It was taboo for them to marry, but they did anyway and after a few years of marriage the mother goddess ordered her daughter back to heaven, but out of love she allowed the couple to meet up once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month.
Now a days lovers release hung ming lanterns like the ones to the right, and make good wishes of faithful love between them. So why not celebrate Valentine’s day twice this year? Celebrate with your love today!
