Last night was July 7th of the Lunar Calendar, and what our friend Ella described to me as “Chinese Valentine’s Day.” More widely known as the Qixi or Magpie Festival, it’s a day that celebrates the legendary love of Niulang the cowherder and Zhinü the fairy sister/weaver girl that is forever written in the stars.
The story goes that Niulang came upon a river where Zhinu and her sisters were bathing, and at the behest of his mischievous Ox companion, he snatched their clothes. When Zhinu came after him (eh em…sans clothes I might add) it was love at first sight.
Apparently, the idea of the fairy girl and a mere mortal living happily ever after was unacceptable to the Goddess of Heaven, and so she forced Zhinu to leave earth. Niulang of course came after her and the angry Goddess split the sky with a wide river that would keep the lovers apart forever. (Incidentally, this is also an origin story for the Milky Way).
On the seventh night of the seventh month of the lunar year, the magpies fly into the air to form a bridge so that the lovers can reunite for the evening. And so we took to the streets with our cameras to celebrate with the rest of Yixing!
Out on the streets couples of all ages strolled hand in hand, some carrying huge bouquets and other silly little pig balloons. Signs of adoration that brought forth huge smiles.
A children’s carnival was busy with little ones in paddle boats and riding the carousel round and round. Some rascals ran about shooting squirt guns into the air and the youngest ones sat perched in mothers’ laps, taking in all the excitement through wide and curious eyes.
The magic of the evening was really seeing how everyone of all ages was out celebrating together with friends, family and lovers. On the other hand, I continue to shrug and roll my eyes at Valentine’s Day in the States, which is one of the most offensive consumer holidays out there and has created a gross national obsession with: What did he get you!? Where did he take you!? How much did he spend on you!?
Ick.
My point is of course that they still know how to celebrate here in Yixing! The highlight of the evening was watching friends and couples send up sky lanterns over the lake. There were some mishaps here and there, some failed attempts, and then the ones that flew. It was a beautiful night.
Ready for flight
Going…going…
…oops…gone.
Up and away!
Ah, love.
