Chinese Valentine’s Day, known as Qixi, goes beyond mere romance. It is an ancient festival with roots in legend, prayer, and cultural activities. Observed on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese calendar, Qixi was celebrated on August 19 in 2026. Asian countries like Singapore and Vietnam also take part in these festivities.
Qixi Traditions and Activities
In Beijing, the Folk Custom Museum hosted an event called “Asking for Skills.” This reflects a key aspect of Qixi where women traditionally prayed for skills and showcased their abilities. Jia Juan from the museum’s Public Education Department emphasized the importance of engaging young audiences with traditional festivals through interactive experiences.
The museum, located in Beijing’s Dongyue Taoist Temple, has organized Qixi activities for 14 years, attracting about 500 visitors per event. Activities began with a performance of classical music followed by traditional crafts.
One activity involved dyeing fingernails with garden balsam. This natural pigment symbolizes beauty and blessings. Another featured Song brocade bead painting, which uses Chinese silk and pearls representing completeness and fortune.
Practicing Qiqiao
Participants created sachet-shaped Song brocade pearl paintings symbolizing “qiqiao,” focusing on skill and dexterity. Wang Xuejie and her 7-year-old daughter made “qiaoguo,” a decorative pastry, gaining insight into how ancient girls and women demonstrated aspirations and growth.
The Legend and History
The history of Qixi is linked to star worship. It focuses on the romantic legend of Zhinü, a weaver girl symbolized by the Vega star, and Niulang, a cowherd symbolized by the Altair star. Their story of love and annual reunion is central to the festival. The origins trace back to the pre-Qin period, further developed during the Han Dynasty.
Qixi Abroad
Researcher Lynn Wong launched Qixi Fest in Singapore to revive the festival. This event, running through August 23, aims to instill memories of traditional stories in Singaporeans. Wong’s research into Qixi led her to document these stories in a book, inspired by Chinese women migrants of the 1930s.
Maintaining Traditions
Hor Xin Hao, of Cantonese descent in Singapore, continues traditional Qixi practices. His family sets up a prayer table facing the night sky on the festival’s eve. They offer incense, flowers, and cosmetics, believed to convey beauty and charm by the Weaver Girl and her sisters.
Hor appreciates Qixi as a celebration of traditional values and considers modern interpretations like Valentine’s Day to narrow the festival’s original purpose. He sees Qixi as a connection between human life and the universe.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.