In the past few decades, with China rejoining the global stage, Western holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day have become wildly popular, especially among the younger generation. However, there are still some who argue that the true Chinese version of Valentine’s Day is the Qixi Festival, or “Double Seventh Festival.” But wait – is Qixi really China’s answer to Valentine’s Day? Let’s dive into the history and reveal the truth!

The Origins of Qixi Festival: A Day for Women, Not Lovers

Contrary to popular belief, Qixi Festival, which falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, was never originally about romance. It dates back at least two thousand years to the Han Dynasty, and the earliest known reference to it appears in The Miscellaneous Notes of Xijing by Ge Hong, a scholar from the Eastern Jin period. The text describes how, on this day, imperial palace ladies would compete to thread needles in a sewing competition. This activity, known as “qiqiao” (乞巧), was believed to enhance the women’s needlework skills. Far from being a romantic celebration, it was actually a day for women to show off their craftiness.

The Legend of the Weaving Girl and the Cowherd

So, how did the legend of the weaving girl (Zhinü) and the cowherd (Niulang) come to be associated with Qixi? According to Chinese folklore, Zhinü, a celestial weaver, fell in love with Niulang, a mortal man. They were separated by the heavenly river (the Milky Way) and allowed to meet only once a year, on the 7th day of the 7th month, via a bridge formed by magpies. Over time, this love story intertwined with Qixi, but the festival’s original focus remained on women’s crafts, not on romantic relationships.

The “True” Chinese Valentine’s Day: The Lantern Festival

Now, you might be wondering, if Qixi wasn’t China’s version of Valentine’s Day, then when was there a holiday for lovers? The answer lies in the Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuanxiao Festival, which occurs on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The Lantern Festival has been celebrated for at least two thousand years, beginning during the Eastern Han Dynasty. It was known as “Shangyuan Festival” and was a grand celebration marked by vibrant lantern displays and joyous festivities.

What makes this holiday particularly romantic is the social freedom it provided, especially for women. Unlike other times of the year when women were confined to the home due to societal norms, the Lantern Festival was one of the rare occasions when young women could freely stroll through the streets and enjoy the festivities. During the Song Dynasty, it became the perfect opportunity for young lovers to meet in public, and the festival’s atmosphere of joy and freedom made it the ultimate setting for romance.

One of the most famous poems about this event is Sheng Chazi – Yuanxi by the poet Xin Qiji, who writes:

“The moon rises above the willow tree,
A meeting arranged after dusk.”

This captures the essence of the Lantern Festival – a time when lovers could meet in the evening, away from the watchful eyes of society. It’s no wonder that this festival has often been referred to as the real “Chinese Valentine’s Day.”

Cultural Impact and Modern Relevance

Though the Lantern Festival no longer carries the same societal weight as it once did, it remains a beloved celebration in China today, particularly in terms of family bonding and cultural appreciation. While the Western-style Valentine’s Day has taken a strong hold in modern China, especially among young couples, the Lantern Festival still holds a nostalgic charm for many.

The Qixi Festival, on the other hand, has evolved over the years, now being celebrated with both traditional activities and modern expressions of love. But it’s clear that the real roots of a “Chinese Valentine’s Day” lie not in Qixi, but in the Lantern Festival, where love was truly celebrated under the glow of lanterns.

As we look at how holidays evolve and adapt in the modern world, it’s fascinating to see how cultural traditions are blended with global influences. While Qixi may be marketed as a romantic day, don’t forget to celebrate the Lantern Festival, where the true spirit of romance and freedom once flourished.