Home>Multimedia

Video: The romantic story behind China's Valentine's Day

chinadaily.com.cn| Updated : Aug 25, 2020 L M S

The seventh day of the seventh lunar month is Qixi, widely regarded as China's Valentine's Day. Legend has it that the youngest daughter of the Jade Emperor (the ruler of the world as per the legend), the Weaver Girl, became tired of the boring immortal life and decided to descend to the mortal world. She met and fell in love with a cowherd, a union strongly objected to by her father the Jade Emperor, who forcibly separated them across the Milky Way. Although they were rendered asunder by the galaxy they were allowed to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. The distance did not weaken their affection; they still love each other and look forward to meeting on the most romantic day in the Chinese calendar.

Watch this video to learn more about the legend, as well as traditions and customs related to Qixi.