Exploring Qixi: Beyond the Romance of Chinese Valentine’s Day

Chinese Valentine’s Day, known as Qixi, extends far beyond the typical associations of flowers and chocolates. This festival, steeped in legend and tradition, is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese calendar. In 2026, this falls on August 19. While predominantly observed in China, celebrations also occur in Singapore, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia.

Traditional Roots and Modern Celebrations

Beijing’s Folk Custom Museum offers a glimpse into Qixi’s deep history with its “Asking for Skills” program. This initiative reflects the festival’s tradition, where women historically prayed for skillfulness and showcased their abilities through crafts. Jia Juan from the museum’s Public Education Department emphasized the importance of engaging young audiences through interactive experiences to foster an understanding of these traditional festivals.

Housed in the Dongyue Taoist Temple, the museum has organized Qixi events for 14 years. Each gathering attracts around 500 participants. A typical event might include Chinese classical music followed by engaging family activities inspired by Qixi customs.

Customs and Crafts at Qixi

Among the activities, participants may dye their fingernails with garden balsam, a natural dye linked with beauty and blessings. Another highlight is the Song brocade bead painting, combining precious Chinese silk with pearls, representing completeness and good fortune. Participants are encouraged to craft their own sachet designs using this art form, embodying the concept of “qiqiao,” which emphasizes skill and craftsmanship.

Wang Xuejie, who attended the event with her daughter, shared their experience creating “qiaoguo,” a decorative pastry, as a way to connect with the aspirations of women in ancient times during Qixi.

A Romantic Legend and Historical Significance

Jia shared how the practice of qiqiao dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties, spanning the seventh to the 13th centuries. The festival highlights a legendary love story between Zhinü, the weaver girl linked to the Vega star, and Niulang, the cowherd associated with the Altair star. Separated by the Jade Emperor, they reunite each year on a bridge formed by magpies on the seventh lunar month’s seventh day.

The history of Qixi reflects early astronomical knowledge and customs that evolved during the Han Dynasty, influenced by the legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl dating back to the pre-Qin period.

Spreading Qixi Through Generations and Borders

In Singapore, efforts to revive Qixi are gaining momentum through initiatives like Qixi Fest. Researcher Lynn Wong launched this multiday event in 2023 to help the new generation of Singaporeans connect with their cultural heritage. Her encounters with elders and subsequent documentation led to the realization that many traditions associated with Qixi have faded over time.

Wong’s reflections highlight the cultural shifts that accompanied Chinese women migrants in the 1930s. Women, mainly from Guangdong, brought these customs to Singapore, enriching the cultural tapestry but also witnessing changes over generations.

Cultural Preservation Amidst Modern Influences

For Hor Xin Hao, of Cantonese descent, Qixi remains a time-honored tradition. His family continues to observe traditional rituals late at night on the sixth day of the seventh lunar month, offering prayers and ritual gifts such as incense and cosmetics to the Seven Maidens and the Weaver Girl.

Hor believes Qixi’s transformation into a Valentine’s Day celebration narrows its rich cultural significance. He views the festival as an opportunity to uphold traditional values and ancestral legacies, connecting human experiences with the universe.

Overall, the Qixi festival embodies a blend of ancient beliefs and modern interpretations, bridging cultural gaps and fostering a deeper understanding of heritage.

Associated Press video producer Olivia Zhang contributed to this report. The AP’s religion coverage benefits from collaboration with The Conversation US and funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP retains sole responsibility for this content.