Qixi Festival 2023

Google Dooles 22.08.2023 03:31  Date: August 22, 2023 Love is in the air! Today’s annual Doodle celebrates Qixi Festival 2023. This holiday, also known as the Double Seventh Festival, Magpie Festival, or Night of Sevens, is observed in Taiwan . On this day once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, couples old and new share their love and affection for one another. Qixi Festival origins trace back to an ancient folk tale about the weaver girl Zhinü and the cowherd Niulang. There are several versions of their love story, but a popular story goes like this: One day, Niulang’s old cow revealed that a group of beautiful fairies would be gathering in a nearby spring. Among the fairies was the heavenly weaver, Zhinü. Struck with love at first sight, Niulang stole her magical clothing that helped her return to heaven, turning her into an earthly woman. They married and had two children. When Zhinü’s parents heard of this news, they sent down heavenly escorts to retrieve her. Niulang tried to chase after her with a flying coat, but Zhinü’s mother created the Silver River to stop him. Fortunately, the magpies were so inspired by their devotion that they gathered and formed a bridge over the celestial river to help them reunite. Moved by this phenomenon, Zhinü’s father agreed to let the two lovers meet on the seventh day of the seventh month each year. Qixi Festival traditions include operatic plays that retell the folk story, handmade gift exchanges, intimate date nights, and more. Singles hoping to find a partner also visit Yuelao temples, where the God of matchmaking is worshiped, on this day to pray for good fortune in finding their ideal partner. Happy Qixi Festival to all! Location: Tags: